Honestly, if you're waking up in Utica today, the sky is looking exactly how you’d expect for mid-January in Central New York. Gritty. Grey. Very "Utica." Right now, it's about 25°F outside, but with that south wind kicking around at 5 mph, it actually feels more like 19°F. You’ve probably noticed the clouds are thick, and there’s a tiny bit of snow—about a 10% chance—already drifting around.
It is classic winter layering weather. Don't skip the scarf.
What’s the deal with weather Utica NY today?
We are looking at a high of 35°F later this afternoon. It sounds almost "warm" compared to some of the sub-zero snaps we get, but don't let the number fool you. The humidity is sitting high at 76%, which gives the air that damp, bone-chilling quality that seems to soak right through a light jacket.
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Basically, the main event today is the snow showers.
The National Weather Service has been tracking a system that brings a 40% chance of snow showers throughout the day. It’s not a blizzard. You aren't going to be buried under three feet of lake-effect powder by noon, but it’s enough to make the arterial and Genesee Street a bit slick. The wind is staying fairly calm, coming from the south at 6 mph, so we aren't dealing with those massive, blinding drifts today.
Breaking down the hourly vibe
- Morning: Expect a lot of clouds and that 25-degree baseline. It's "clean the frost off the windshield" weather.
- Afternoon: We hit that 35°F peak. This is when the snow showers are most likely to get active.
- Evening: Temperatures dip back down to a low of 26°F. The snow shower chance stays steady at 40%, so if you're heading out to Varick Street or grabbing dinner, watch for black ice on the side streets.
Why this January weather matters
January in Utica usually averages a high of about 28°F, so being at 35°F is actually a bit above the curve. We often see the most "typical" winter days right now. People think every day here is a snow-pocalypse, but usually, it’s just this: consistent, light snow showers and high humidity that makes you crave a tomato pie or a hot bowl of greens.
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The dewpoint is currently hanging around 19°F, which is why the air feels so crisp.
If you are planning on traveling toward the Thruway or heading up into the Valley, just remember that the "feels like" temp is going to stay in the teens most of the day. South winds usually mean things are slightly more stable than those biting North-Westers, but visibility can still drop quickly when a shower passes through.
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Survival tips for today
- Salt the walk now: With the low hitting 26°F tonight, any slush from the daytime showers is going to freeze solid by 9 PM.
- Check your tires: 35 degrees is that awkward "melt-then-freeze" zone where roads look wet but are actually skating rinks.
- Keep the lights on: It’s cloudy. It’s going to stay cloudy. The UV index is a whopping 1, so you don't need the sunscreen, but you do need to be visible to other drivers.
Keep an eye on the sky, but don't cancel your plans. It's just a standard Saturday in the 315.
Next Steps for Your Day:
If you have to be on the roads this evening, check the local traffic cams before you head out, as the 40% chance of snow showers will likely create localized slick spots on bridges and overpasses. Make sure your washer fluid is topped off—the road salt spray will be heavy today with these "warmer" 35-degree temps.