Honestly, if you were planning a smooth, sunny stroll through Central Park this Sunday evening, I’ve got some bad news. New York is currently smack in the middle of a winter reality check. Right now, it’s a damp 32°F outside, but with that north wind kicking at 8 mph, it feels more like 25°F. Basically, it's that biting, "deep-in-your-bones" cold that makes you regret forgetting your scarf.
The big story for the ny 7 day weather forecast starts right now with a literal mess on the streets. We’re looking at light rain tonight with a high humidity of 100%, but don’t let the liquid stuff fool you. The transition to snow is already happening.
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What’s Happening with the Snow Tonight?
Today, Sunday, January 18, has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We’ve seen snow showers throughout the day, and that’s not stopping as we head into the night. The high reached 33°F, but we’re dipping down to a low of 25°F tonight.
The National Weather Service has been tracking this system closely. Here’s the deal: there’s a massive 94% chance of precipitation tonight, mostly in the form of snow. If you’re looking out the window and seeing clouds, just know they’re holding a lot of weight. We’re expecting the conditions to stay cloudy and messy well into the early morning hours of Monday.
The Monday Morning Reality
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and while many of you might have the day off, the weather isn't taking a break. It's going to be a cold one.
- High: 31°F
- Low: 14°F
- Conditions: Sunny during the day, clear at night.
It sounds nice, right? Sunny and clear. But check that low temperature again. 14°F is no joke. The wind is also shifting to the southwest at 13 mph, which is going to make that "real feel" temperature drop into the single digits. If you are heading out for any MLK Day events, layer up like your life depends on it.
The Mid-Week Deep Freeze
By Tuesday, things get even more intense. We’re looking at a high of only 21°F. That’s the kind of cold that freezes puddles solid in minutes.
The wind is going to be coming out of the west at a steady 15 mph. It’ll be sunny, sure, but it’s a "fake sunny"—the kind where you look out the window and think it’s a beautiful day, then step outside and immediately lose the feeling in your nose. The low Tuesday night will hit 13°F.
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Wednesday gives us a slight "warm-up" if you can even call it that. We’ll climb back up to 34°F, though it’ll be a mostly cloudy day. We might see a stray flurry or two, with a 10% chance of snow during the day and night. The low stays consistent at a freezing 13°F.
Looking Toward the Weekend
If you’re hunting for a break in the ny 7 day weather forecast, Thursday, January 22, is your best bet. We’re actually going to see the mercury hit 42°F.
It’ll be sunny and, compared to the rest of the week, downright balmy. Don't get too comfortable, though. By Saturday, January 24, we’re crashing back down to a high of 15°F and a low of 9°F. Yes, 9 degrees. That is the kind of temperature where even the most hardened New Yorkers start considering a move to Florida.
Actionable Tips for the Week Ahead
The city is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory, and the Department of Sanitation has their salt spreaders out in force. Here is what you actually need to do:
- Check the Lows, Not the Highs: Most people look at the daytime high, but this week, the nighttime lows (dropping to 9°F by Saturday) are what will cause the most pipe issues and car battery failures.
- Salt Your Walkways Tonight: With the rain-to-snow transition happening right now, anything wet on the ground is going to be a sheet of ice by Monday morning.
- Layering is a Science: Wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer (fleece is king), and a wind-blocking outer shell. With winds hitting 15 mph on Tuesday, that outer layer is non-negotiable.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt, it’s too cold for your dog’s paws on the salt-covered pavement. Use booties or wash their paws immediately after walks to prevent chemical burns from the road salt.
Stay warm out there, New York. This week is going to be a test of endurance.