Right now, if you step outside in New York City, you’re hitting a wall of air that’s exactly 39°F.
It’s sunny. The sky is that piercing, high-altitude blue that only happens in January. But don’t let the brightness fool you into leaving your heavy coat on the rack. With a 12 mph wind whipping in from the west, the "feels like" temperature is actually hovering at 32°F.
Basically, it's freezing.
Walking down 5th Avenue today feels like a game of survival between blocks. One minute you're in the sun feeling okay, and the next, a gust of wind tunnels through a side street and reminds you that it is, in fact, the dead of winter. Honestly, the humidity is low—around 33%—so it’s that crisp, dry cold that makes your skin feel like parchment paper.
What’s happening with the mercury today?
We are looking at a high of 43°F for this Thursday, January 15, 2026. That might sound "mild" for January, especially since historical averages usually sit closer to 39°F, but the overnight drop is going to be brutal. We’re plunging down to a low of 24°F tonight.
That’s nearly a 20-degree swing.
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If you've got evening plans at a rooftop bar or even just a late dinner in Brooklyn, the temperature in New York City now is the warmest it’s going to get for the rest of the day. The city is currently in a "dry slot," which is why it looks so beautiful out there, but there’s a 30% chance of snow flurries later this afternoon. It’s the kind of "blink and you’ll miss it" snow that doesn’t really stick but makes for a great Instagram story.
The weird science of the 2026 winter
You've probably heard meteorologists like Melanie Black, who just joined FOX Weather here in the city, talking about the "Polar Vortex" making a comeback. After a fairly weird "January thaw" that broke some records across the U.S. earlier this month, the Arctic air is finally pushing back.
New York is caught in the middle of a clash between lingering warmth and this incoming polar air. It’s why we’re seeing sunny skies one hour and a snow threat the next.
- Current Temp: 39°F
- Real Feel: 32°F
- Wind: 12 mph West
- Sunset: Around 4:55 PM (when the temp starts its freefall)
The barometer is steady, but the vibe is "impending winter." We aren't seeing the massive 60-inch totals they’re predicting for upstate or the Great Lakes, but for a city that has been relatively dry lately, even a dusting feels like a big deal.
Why the "Feels Like" matters more than the number
In a city of skyscrapers, the temperature in New York City now is heavily dictated by the "urban canyon" effect. Wind speeds of 12 mph might not sound like much on a weather app, but when that air gets funneled between glass towers, it accelerates.
It’s called the Venturi effect.
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Basically, the city creates its own microclimates. You might be at 39°F in the middle of Central Park where the trees break the wind, but stand on a corner in the Financial District and you'll swear it's 20°F.
Looking ahead: The weekend wildcard
If you’re tracking the temperature in New York City now to plan your weekend, keep your expectations low for outdoor activities. Friday is looking cold with a high in the low 30s. Saturday is the real wildcard. There’s a developing system that could bring actual, measurable snow to the five boroughs before it turns into a messy rain-snow mix.
It’s the classic NYC winter dilemma: will it be a winter wonderland or just a slushy gray nightmare?
Given that 2025 ended as one of the coldest Decembers since 2010, the city seems to be stuck in a below-average temperature pattern. We’re currently about 10 inches behind on our annual rainfall, so the city actually needs the precipitation, even if it comes in the form of annoying sleet.
Survival tips for the current chill
- Hydrate your skin now. That 33% humidity is a nightmare for your face.
- Layer, don't just bulk. A thermal shirt under a sweater is better than one giant parka because you’ll roast the second you step into the subway.
- Watch the shadows. In January, the sun stays low. The temperature difference between the sunny side of the street and the shaded side is huge right now.
- Check your pipes. If you're in an older walk-up, that 24°F low tonight is enough to cause some drama if your building's insulation is sketchy.
The temperature in New York City now is a reminder that winter finally decided to show up. It’s beautiful, it’s bright, and it’s biting. Dress for the "feels like" 32°F, not the 39°F you see on the display.