Honestly, anyone living in the concrete jungle knows that a January forecast is basically just a polite suggestion from the universe. You’ve probably looked at your phone today and thought, "Okay, I can handle this," only to realize that the wind tunneling through 5th Avenue makes 33 degrees feel like a personal insult. Right now, Manhattan is sitting in that weird, mid-winter stretch where the charm of the holidays has officially evaporated, leaving us with gray slush and the sudden realization that our "warm" coats might actually just be light sweaters with better branding.
The current 10 day forecast in manhattan new york is looking like a rollercoaster of "snow globe vibes" and genuine, bone-chilling cold.
If you're out tonight, it’s currently about 23°F, but that west wind at 14 mph is dragging the "feels like" temperature down to a bracing 10°F. It’s clear with periodic clouds, which is code for "it looks nice through the window but don't you dare go out without a scarf." We're heading into a week where the layers you choose in the morning will determine your entire mood by 4:00 PM.
The Weekend "Snow-Kinda" Situation
Friday, January 16, starts off sunny but don't let the light fool you. We’re looking at a high of 33°F and a low of 21°F. The humidity is low at 37%, so it’s that crisp, dry air that makes your knuckles crack. By nighttime, clouds roll in and there’s a 35% chance of some snow flurries. It’s nothing major, just enough to make the sidewalk look pretty for about five minutes before it turns into that iconic New York gray goop.
Saturday is where things get interesting. Forecasters like Laura Ratliff at Time Out have been eyeing this weekend for a while, and the data shows a 70% chance of snow during the day on January 17. The high hits 39°F, which is actually kind of warm for snow, meaning we might see it transition into a slushy mix. The wind is coming from the south at 10 mph, which usually brings in a bit of moisture.
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If you’ve got plans at Central Park, maybe aim for the morning. By Saturday night, the snow chance drops to 10% and we settle into a cloudy 30°F.
Sunday, January 18, stays chilly with a high of 34°F. There’s a lingering 20% chance of snow in the afternoon, but it’s mostly just going to be a gray, overcast Manhattan day. Perfect for staying inside and ordering a bagel delivery, honestly. The low drops back down to 21°F as a northwest wind starts to pick up.
The Mid-Week Deep Freeze
Monday, January 19, is when the real winter teeth come out. We’ve got a high of 34°F, but the low is crashing down to 14°F. That is "pipes might freeze" territory. It’ll be partly sunny, but that sun is purely decorative at those temperatures.
Tuesday, January 20, is looking like the coldest day of this entire stretch.
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- High: 20°F
- Low: 13°F
- Conditions: Full sun (but who cares?)
- Wind: 14 mph from the west
Walking against the wind on Tuesday is going to feel like a sport. You’ll want the heavy-duty parka, the thermal leggings, and maybe those touch-screen gloves that never actually work but you wear them anyway.
Wednesday and Thursday bring a tiny bit of relief. January 21 sees us climbing back to 35°F with a low of 19°F. It’ll be partly sunny, and while there’s a 20% chance of snow, it shouldn't derail your commute. Thursday follows suit with a high of 36°F and a mostly cloudy sky. It’s a bit of a breather before the next system slides in toward the end of next week.
Looking Toward Next Weekend
By Friday, January 23, the humidity starts climbing back up to 46%. We're expecting snow showers throughout the day with a high of 34°F and a low of 23°F. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s consistent.
Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, are looking pretty messy. Saturday has a 45% chance of snow showers during the day and 35% at night, with a high of 36°F. Then, Sunday the 25th brings a more solid 35-45% chance of snow with a high of 34°F.
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The kicker? Sunday night is forecasted to drop all the way down to 5°F.
That is not a typo.
If that 5-degree low holds, Monday morning is going to be a shock to the system for everyone heading to the office. This kind of temperature swing—from mid-30s with snow to single digits—is exactly how New York sidewalks become literal ice skating rinks.
Navigating the 10 Day Forecast in Manhattan New York
Most people get Manhattan weather wrong because they forget about the "Street Canyon Effect." When the wind hits those skyscraper walls, it accelerates. If the forecast says 15 mph winds, expect it to feel like 25 mph on certain blocks.
Also, the "feels like" temperature is your only true North Star. On Tuesday the 20th, when the thermometer says 20°F, the wind chill will likely keep the perceived temperature in the single digits all day.
Next steps:
- Check your window seals tonight; that 13°F low on Tuesday will find every gap in your apartment.
- Dig out the waterproof boots for Saturday's slush potential.
- If you’re traveling on the 25th, keep a very close eye on those Sunday night lows, as extreme cold can cause signal issues and delays on the MTA.
- Salt your stoop before the Sunday night freeze-up to avoid a Monday morning lawsuit.