Right now, if you step outside in Brooklyn, you're hitting a wall of air that’s exactly 31°F. It’s Saturday night, January 17, 2026, and honestly, the "partly cloudy" description on your phone doesn't quite capture the bite in the wind. Even though the thermometer says 31°F, the "feels like" temperature is sitting at a much sharper 26°F. That’s the classic Brooklyn tax—the humidity is at 84%, and a 4 mph breeze from the west is doing just enough to make you regret leaving your scarf on the coat rack.
Today was a mess. We saw a high of 38°F earlier, but it wasn't exactly "nice" weather. It was that annoying mix of rain and snow that turns the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush into a slushy swamp.
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What the Temperature in Brooklyn Is Doing This Week
If you're planning your commute or just trying to figure out if you need the heavy parka, the next few days are a downward slide. Tomorrow, Sunday, we’re looking at a high of 35°F and a low of 23°F. But here’s the kicker: there’s a 45% chance of light snow tomorrow night.
The real deep freeze hits Tuesday. We’re talking a high of only 22°F.
Basically, the "January dip" is in full effect. While the average high for Brooklyn this time of year is usually around 39°F, we are currently trending well below that. By Monday night, the temperature is expected to crater to 17°F. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that 17°F in the city feels like 5°F once the wind tunnels between the brownstones start working their magic.
Why the "Feels Like" Temperature Matters More
You’ve probably noticed that the temperature in Brooklyn often feels different than it does in Central Park. That’s not your imagination. The proximity to the East River and the Atlantic Ocean keeps our humidity high—currently 84%—which makes the cold feel "wetter" and more bone-chilling.
West winds are currently coming in at 4 mph. That sounds like nothing, right? But at 31°F, any movement of air strips the heat off your skin.
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- Current Temp: 31°F
- Wind Chill: 26°F
- Humidity: 84%
- UV Index: 0 (It's nighttime, after all)
By Tuesday, those winds are going to kick up to 15 mph. When you combine a 22°F day with 15 mph gusts, you’re looking at serious "stay inside and order Thai food" weather.
The 10-Day Outlook: Is There a Thaw?
Not really. We get a tiny break on Thursday, January 22, with a high of 39°F, but it's preceded by a low of 24°F. It’s a rollercoaster. The most dramatic drop comes toward the end of next week. By Sunday, January 25, the high is only 17°F and the low is a staggering 6°F.
That is legit dangerous cold.
Practical Steps for the Brooklyn Cold
Since the temperature is staying below freezing for most of the upcoming week, you've gotta be smart about the infrastructure. NYC law is actually on your side here. From now through May 31, your landlord is required to keep the indoor temperature at least 68°F during the day if it's below 55°F outside. At night, it has to be at least 62°F inside, no matter what.
If your radiator is clanking but your apartment is still a meat locker, call 311. Seriously.
Also, watch out for the "Code Blue" status. When temperatures drop this low, the city activates emergency shelter protocols. If you see someone outside who looks like they’re struggling in this 31°F weather, a quick 311 call can literally save a life.
For your own sanity, layer up. Start with a moisture-wicking base because that 84% humidity will make you sweat if you're power-walking to the subway, and then that sweat will freeze the moment you stand still on a drafty platform.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your windows: Use heavy curtains or even that plastic shrink-wrap film to stop the 4 mph west wind from leaking into your living room.
- Drip your pipes: If you’re in an older building and the temp hits that 17°F mark on Monday night, leave a tiny drip in your faucet to prevent frozen pipes.
- Download the Notify NYC app: It'll give you the "First Alert" updates for the snow expected tomorrow and Monday.