Honestly, if you stepped outside this morning expecting that crisp winter sun to actually keep you warm, you've probably already realized your mistake. It’s one of those classic "deceptive" January days where the sky looks beautiful, but the air has a bite that doesn't care about your aesthetic wool coat.
Basically, the weather for long island today is a tale of two realities. On one hand, we’ve got clear skies and sunshine that make the South Shore look like a postcard. On the other, we’re dealing with a west wind that makes the "actual" temperature feel like a distant memory.
The Numbers You Actually Need to Know
Let’s look at the hard data for Thursday, January 15, 2026. Today’s high is hitting 42°F, which sounds reasonable enough for mid-January in New York. But that's the peak. Most of the day is spent significantly lower, and the overnight low is plummeting down to 21°F.
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The real kicker? That wind.
We’re seeing a steady 16 mph breeze coming out of the west. It doesn't sound like much on paper, but when you're standing on a train platform in Mineola or walking the dog in Patchogue, it changes everything. Currently, it feels more like 14°F out there.
Humidity is sitting at a relatively dry 46% to 59% throughout the day. This is that "dry cold" that chaps your lips and makes you wonder where you put the heavy-duty moisturizer.
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What’s Happening Right Now
- Condition: Sunny skies during the day, transitioning to clear tonight.
- Current Temp: Hovering around 27°F as we head into the evening.
- Precipitation: Basically non-existent. There's a tiny 10% chance of a stray snowflake during the day, dropping to 5% tonight. Don't expect to see any accumulation; this is a dry system.
The Maritime Situation (It’s Getting Rough)
If you’re a boater or just someone who likes to walk near the water in Montauk or Long Beach, pay attention. The National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory effective until 6 PM tonight, which immediately upgrades to a Gale Warning from 6 PM until noon Friday.
The west winds are expected to ramp up to 20 to 30 knots, with gusts hitting 35 knots. We're looking at seas between 7 and 10 feet. Honestly, it's a "stay in port" kind of night. The wind is whipping across the Sound and the Atlantic, and those waves are no joke.
Why Today Feels Different
Usually, when we see "sunny" in the forecast, we think "warmth." But today is a prime example of a cold-air advection pattern. Even with the sun at its highest point (though the UV index is only a 1), the air mass moving in from the west is significantly colder than what we had earlier in the week.
You might have noticed the light is hitting differently today. With the humidity being lower, the visibility is actually quite high, which is why the sunset is likely to be spectacular—just don't forget your gloves if you're going out to photograph it.
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Surviving the Night
As we move into tonight, the sky stays clear, which is a recipe for radiational cooling. Without cloud cover to act as a blanket, all the heat the ground managed to soak up today is going to escape straight into the atmosphere.
By the time you wake up tomorrow morning, we’ll be at that 21°F low. If you have pipes in uninsulated areas or a car that’s a bit finicky in the cold, tonight is the night they’ll give you trouble.
Quick Actions for Tonight
- Check your tires: Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. If your "low pressure" light wasn't on this morning, it might be tomorrow.
- Hydrate your skin: This dry west wind is a nightmare for hydration.
- Marine Safety: If you have a boat in the water, double-check your lines before the gale-force gusts kick in this evening.
The weather for long island today isn't bringing a blizzard or a heatwave, but it’s that specific brand of New York winter that catches you off guard if you aren't layered up. Stick to the windbreakers or parkas; that 16 mph wind is the real boss today.