If you stepped outside in Manhattan this morning, you probably felt that familiar, biting slap of North Atlantic air. Honestly, NYC weather this month has been a bit of a rollercoaster, and we aren't even through the third week yet. Today, Sunday, January 18, the city is sitting right at a freezing 32°F. It’s cloudy, gray, and—if you haven't looked out the window lately—the snow is officially here.
We aren't just talking about a few stray flurries. The forecast for the rest of today is calling for a 100% chance of snow with a high of 34°F. It’s that heavy, wet slush that makes the corner of 57th and 7th a total nightmare for anyone wearing suede boots.
What is actually happening with the snow?
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) didn't mess around this morning. They issued a formal Snow Alert starting at 4:00 a.m. today. Why the high alert? Because after a relatively quiet start to the winter, we’re looking at multiple bands of snow hitting the five boroughs throughout the day. By the time it tapers off into snow showers tonight, we could see a solid 1 to 3 inches across the city.
Some spots in eastern Queens or southeast Brooklyn might even sneak up toward 4 inches if the coastal system skirts a little closer than expected. It’s not a "historic blizzard," but it’s enough to trigger travel advisories and ground stops at JFK and LaGuardia. If you were planning to fly out tonight, check your flight status now. Seriously.
The deep freeze is coming
Here is the thing most people are going to hate: the temperature drop. Monday, January 19—which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day—is going to feel significantly more brutal. While the sun will finally come out, the high is only hitting 32°F, and it's going to plummet to 19°F at night.
If you think that’s cold, just wait for Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 20, is shaping up to be the coldest day of the month so far. We are looking at a high of only 22°F and a low of 13°F. When you factor in the 11 mph winds coming off the Hudson, the wind chill is going to make it feel like single digits. It’s the kind of cold that makes your phone battery die in ten minutes.
NYC weather this month: The mid-week mess
Just when you get used to the dry, arctic air, Wednesday brings another shift. The "mostly cloudy" day will turn into a messy mix of rain and snow overnight. Because the temperature is hovering right around 33°F for the high and 14°F for the low, the ground is going to be a skating rink by Thursday morning.
- Sunday, Jan 18: 100% snow, high of 34°F.
- Monday, Jan 19: Mostly sunny but cold, high of 32°F, low of 19°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Bright sun, bitter cold, high of 22°F, low of 13°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly cloudy with rain/snow late, high 33°F.
It’s worth noting that while the city is salting the streets like crazy—DSNY says they have about 700 million pounds of salt ready—the sidewalks are a different story. Property owners are technically responsible for clearing their own paths, but we all know there's always that one building on the block that leaves a sheet of ice for three days. Watch your step.
Looking ahead to the end of January
If you’re hoping for a warm-up, don't hold your breath. The long-range outlook for the final week of January suggests more of the same. Monday, January 26, is already showing signs of a "heavy snow storm" on the horizon with a 75% chance of precipitation. Temperatures for the tail end of the month look to stay consistently in the 20s and low 30s.
Basically, the "mild winter" rumors we heard back in December were a lie. La Niña is still doing its thing, and while it's expected to transition to a neutral phase later this spring, January is leaning into its reputation as the most miserable month of the year for commuters.
Survival tips for the next 10 days
You’ve lived here long enough to know the drill, but the 13°F lows next week are no joke. Make sure your heating is up to code—NYC law requires indoor temps to be at least 68°F during the day when it’s below 55°F outside. If your landlord is skimping on the heat, call 311.
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Also, since Monday is a holiday, there’s no trash or recycling pickup. Don't put your bags out in the snow today; wait until Monday evening for Tuesday's collection.
Check your window seals for drafts today before that Tuesday cold front hits. If you're heading out, layer up with moisture-wicking fabrics under your wool, because that 92% humidity today means the cold is going to feel "damp" and soak right into your bones.
Stay warm, keep your salt shaker handy, and maybe just order in on Tuesday night.