Honestly, Brooklyn weather is a bit of a mood ring right now. You’ve probably seen the headlines about the "polar vortex" making a comeback, and for once, the hype isn't totally off-base. If you were getting used to those weirdly mild January days we had earlier this month, well, that's over.
We are officially in the "multiple layers and heavy boots" phase of the season.
Basically, the next few days are going to be a messy transition from slushy rain to legitimate Arctic air. It's not just "cold"—it's that specific New York cold that cuts through your denim and makes you question why you don't live in Florida. But before the deep freeze sets in, we've got to deal with a winter cocktail of precipitation that's going to make the G train even more of a headache than usual.
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The 5 Day Weather Brooklyn Reality Check
Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re looking at a high of 38°F. That sounds manageable until you see the 65% chance of a rain and snow mix. It’s going to be that heavy, wet slush that ruins suede shoes. By tonight, it drops to 32°F, so anything on the ground is going to turn into a nice sheet of ice for your Sunday morning coffee run.
Sunday is where things get real. The City has already issued a travel advisory because we’re expecting the first real accumulating snow of the year.
What to Expect Sunday and Monday
- Sunday, Jan 18: High of 34°F. Snow showers are likely all day (45% chance). It’s not a "shut down the city" blizzard, but with temperatures dropping to 22°F at night, it’s going to stick.
- Monday, Jan 19: This is when the "polar plunge" actually hits. It’ll be sunny, which is a total lie, because the high is only 32°F and the low is a brutal 17°F.
The wind is also picking up. On Monday, we’re looking at 14 mph gusts from the southwest. In Brooklyn, where the wind tunnels between brownstones are legendary, that 17°F is going to feel significantly sharper.
Why Tuesday Is the Real Test
If you think Monday sounds rough, Tuesday, January 20, is actually the coldest day in this stretch. We’re looking at a high of only 22°F. Read that again. The high is ten degrees below freezing. The sky will be clear and sunny, but the air is coming straight from the Arctic.
By Wednesday, we get a tiny bit of relief with a high of 35°F, but the overnight low stays parked at 15°F. It’s a very consistent, very dry cold. Humidity drops from the 90s on Sunday down to about 59% by Tuesday. Great for your hair, maybe, but terrible for your skin and your heating bill.
Dealing with the Slush and the Strike
It’s worth noting that this weather is hitting right as thousands of nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore are on strike. If you’re out in the cold—whether you’re on a picket line or just walking to the subway—the risk of frostbite and slips is much higher this week. NYC Emergency Management is literally telling people to avoid unnecessary travel on Sunday.
Also, if you're driving, the DOT has a bunch of closures. The Third Street Bridge over the Gowanus is closed overnight (11 PM to 5 AM), and they’ve got a rain date for the Shore Road Bridge work on Wednesday if things get too messy earlier in the week.
Survival Tips for the Polar Plunge
Don't be the person wearing a light "fashion" coat on Tuesday. You need a wind-resistant outer layer. Layering is your best friend because the subway platforms will be freezing, but the actual trains will probably be a sweltering 80°F.
Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. People tend to crank the heat or use space heaters when the temps hit the teens, and that’s when things get dangerous. Also, NYC law says your landlord has to keep it at least 68°F during the day when it’s below 55°F outside. If you’re shivering in your own living room, call 311.
Practical Next Steps:
- Drip your pipes: On Monday and Tuesday nights when it hits 15°F, let your faucets drip slightly to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Salt the sidewalk: If you’re a homeowner or a super, get the salt down Saturday night before the Sunday freeze.
- Check the MTA: Sunday’s snow showers will almost certainly cause "signal problems" and delays, so check the app before you leave the house.