Look, New Yorkers are used to the grind, but the current weather New York NY 10027 is basically testing everyone’s patience. If you’re walking around Morningside Heights or near Columbia University today, January 16, 2026, you already know the vibe. It’s cold. Not just "oh, I need a sweater" cold, but the kind of cold that makes your eyes water the second you step out of a subway station.
Right now, the thermometer is sitting at 32°F, but that’s a total lie.
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Because of a 6 mph southwest wind, the "feels like" temperature is actually 27°F. Honestly, it’s mostly cloudy and just feels heavy. We’re in that weird January stretch where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket and everyone is just trying to make it to February.
What’s actually happening in the 10027 right now
If you’re checking the local forecast for the rest of today, Friday, don't get too comfortable with the sun. It started off mostly sunny with a high of 33°F, but things are shifting. By tonight, we’re looking at a low of 22°F and a 35% chance of actual snow. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s enough to make the sidewalks near St. Nicholas Park a skating rink by tomorrow morning.
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The wind is also picking up. We're talking 13 mph coming from the west, which is going to make that 22°F feel significantly more brutal.
The Weekend Outlook: Snow, Rain, and the "Will It or Won't It" Game
Saturday is where things get messy for weather New York NY 10027. You’ve probably seen the "First Alert" headlines. We’re tracking a wintry mix. The high is 38°F, which sounds "warm" for January, but it means we’re stuck with a 45% chance of rain and snow. It’s that slushy, gray Manhattan gunk that ruins your favorite boots.
Sunday isn’t much better.
Expect snow showers and a high of 36°F.
The low will drop to 27°F.
Basically, if you have plans to go to the Greenmarket or hit up a cafe on Amsterdam Ave, bring the heavy-duty gear.
The Arctic Blast is no joke
There is some genuinely wild data coming out for next week. By Tuesday, January 20, the forecast is calling for a high of only 23°F and a low of 16°F. Experts like Justin Lewis from CBS New York are pointing out that these temperatures are actually comparable to Anchorage, Alaska right now.
Think about that.
Upper Manhattan is literally rivaling the Arctic.
On Tuesday, while the sun might be out, the wind chill is expected to hit single digits. According to data from the National Weather Service, this is part of a broader pattern where January 2026 is trending significantly colder than the record-breaking warmth we saw over the last couple of years.
Why 10027 feels different than Midtown
If you live in the 10027 zip code, you know the "Morningside Microclimate" is a real thing. Because this area—covering parts of Manhattanville, Morningside Heights, and West Harlem—is elevated and close to the Hudson River, the wind tunnels can be significantly more intense than in Midtown.
- The Riverside Factor: The wind coming off the water hits the 100-block streets with zero resistance.
- Elevation: Stepping up the "Cliff" from Harlem into Morningside Heights often comes with a 2-3 degree temperature drop.
- The Heat Island Effect: While most of NYC suffers from trapped heat, the 29% vegetative cover in this neighborhood (thanks to Morningside and Riverside Parks) actually lets it cool down faster at night than the concrete canyons of the Financial District.
How to handle the next few days
Stop checking the "high" and start looking at the "RealFeel." When the wind hits 20+ mph next Tuesday, that 23-degree day is going to feel like 10°F. If you’re an older adult or have sensitive health conditions, the NYC Department of Health specifically warns that these "Very Cold" ratings (anything under 25°F wind chill) are when hypothermia risks spike.
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Don't be the person walking around in a light denim jacket because it "looks sunny."
Actionable Next Steps for 10027 Residents:
- Layering is the only way: Use a moisture-wicking base layer. Cotton is your enemy when it’s 32°F and 65% humidity (like it will be Saturday).
- Check your windows: 10027 has some beautiful pre-war buildings, but they are notorious for drafts. A bit of weather stripping or even a heavy curtain can keep your heating bill from exploding during the 16°F low on Tuesday.
- Boot care: Saturday’s rain/snow mix means salt on the streets. If you have leather shoes, wipe them down immediately or the salt will eat them alive by Sunday morning.
- Plan for Tuesday: It’s going to be the coldest day of the year so far. If you can work from home or move your errands to Monday (which will be a sunny 34°F), do it.