Honestly, if you were hoping for a break from the winter gloom, I’ve got some bad news. New York is currently stuck in a bit of a refrigerator. Right now, it’s 33°F, but with that north wind kicking around at 5 mph, it feels more like 28°F. Not exactly t-shirt weather.
We’re staring down a 5 day New York City weather forecast that looks less like a winter wonderland and more like an endurance test. If you're planning to commute or just grab a bagel, you'll want the heavy-duty parka.
The immediate mess: Sunday and Monday
Today, Sunday, January 18, is basically a write-off. We are looking at a heavy snow storm with a 100% chance of precipitation during the day. The high is struggling to hit 33°F, and the low is going to bottom out at 27°F.
By tonight, it shifts into snow showers. The National Weather Service (NWS) has a Winter Weather Advisory in place until midnight. We're expecting about 3 to 5 inches across the city, though some spots in Queens might see more. It's that heavy, wet stuff that's a nightmare to shovel.
Monday—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—is going to be a sharp, cold slap in the face. The snow clears out, leaving us with mostly sunny skies, but don't let the sun fool you. The high is only 32°F, and the low is dropping to a bone-chilling 18°F.
🔗 Read more: Nate Silver Trump Approval Rating: Why the 2026 Numbers Look So Different
Pro Tip: There’s no trash collection on Monday because of the holiday. DSNY says if you usually get Monday pickup, put your stuff out Monday evening for Tuesday collection. But honestly, with the ice, expect delays.
The deep freeze: Tuesday and Wednesday
Tuesday is when things get weirdly quiet and very, very cold. We’re talking 22°F for a high and a low of 13°F. That is properly "stay inside and order Ramen" weather. It’ll be sunny, but with 11 mph winds coming from the west, the wind chill is going to be brutal.
Wednesday, January 21, brings a slight "warm-up" if you can even call it that. We might hit 33°F again. The day stays mostly cloudy, and by nightfall, we’re looking at a rain and snow mix. The low will be around 14°F. It’s that classic NYC slush-puddle-waiting-to-ruin-your-boots scenario.
The 5 day New York City weather forecast: Looking ahead
By the time we hit Thursday, January 22, the sun comes back out. Highs reach 37°F, which will probably feel like a tropical vacation compared to Tuesday’s 22 degrees. The night will be clear with a low of 20°F.
💡 You might also like: Weather Forecast Lockport NY: Why Today’s Snow Isn’t Just Hype
Basically, the next few days are a cycle of snow, deep freeze, and potential slush.
| Date | Condition | High/Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 18 | Heavy Snow | 33°F / 27°F |
| Jan 19 | Mostly Sunny | 32°F / 18°F |
| Jan 20 | Sunny & Cold | 22°F / 13°F |
| Jan 21 | Mostly Cloudy | 33°F / 14°F |
| Jan 22 | Mostly Sunny | 37°F / 20°F |
Surviving the "Snot-Freezing" cold
NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a travel advisory for a reason. Roads are going to be slick. If you have to drive, do it like you're carrying a bowl of soup in your lap. Slow and steady.
Also, "Code Blue" is in effect. If you see someone outside who looks like they’re struggling with the cold, call 311. The city doesn't turn anyone away from shelters during these temperature drops.
Layering is your best friend here. You need a base layer that wicks moisture—because believe it or not, you can sweat under all those coats while walking to the subway—and a windproof outer shell. Those wind tunnels between the skyscrapers in Midtown are no joke when it's 13 degrees out.
📖 Related: Economics Related News Articles: What the 2026 Headlines Actually Mean for Your Wallet
If you’re a property owner, remember the rules: if the snow stops between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., you’ve got four hours to clear your sidewalk. If you don't, the city might hit you with a fine, and honestly, nobody needs that on top of a snowstorm.
What you should do right now
First, check your flight status if you're flying out of JFK or LaGuardia; delays are already stacking up. Second, make sure your waterproof boots are actually waterproof and not just "water-resistant." There is a massive difference when you're stepping into a six-inch-deep slush puddle on 42nd Street.
Stay off the roads tonight if you can. The salt spreaders are out, but they can't be everywhere at once.
Grab some extra groceries today so you don't have to trek out on Tuesday when the mercury hits the floor. It’s going to be a long week, but hey, at least the rats will be hiding, right?