Honestly, if you looked out your window this morning in Manhattan or Brooklyn, you already know the vibe. It’s gray. It’s cold. And that white stuff is finally starting to stick. We’ve been hearing about "potential snow" for weeks, but the 5 day weather forecast nyc ny has finally shifted from "maybe" to "definitely."
Right now, it’s about 33°F outside, but with that north wind kicking at 5 mph, it feels more like 28°F. We’re currently sitting under a thick blanket of clouds with 95% humidity, making the air feel heavy and damp. If you're heading out, that dampness is going to bite right through a light jacket.
The Immediate Mess: Sunday Snow and Slush
Today, Sunday, January 18, is basically the "stay inside and order Thai food" day. The National Weather Service hasn't been playing around, issuing a Winter Weather Advisory that’s active right now. We are looking at a high of 33°F and a low of 25°F.
The real story is the precipitation. We’ve got an 86% chance of snow during the day and an 85% chance continuing into the night. Expect about 3 to 5 inches citywide, though some spots in Queens might see a bit more. It’s that heavy, wet snow—the kind that turns into gray slush the second a taxi drives over it.
💡 You might also like: 39 Carl St and Kevin Lau: What Actually Happened at the Cole Valley Property
Monday: The MLK Day Chill
Monday, January 19, brings a total shift. The snow clears out, leaving us with a sunny but much colder day.
- High: 32°F
- Low: 15°F
- Wind: 14 mph from the southwest
While the sun will be out, don't let it fool you. That 15-degree low Monday night is going to be brutal, especially with the wind picking up. If you're heading to an MLK Day parade or service event, layers aren't just a suggestion; they're a requirement.
Tuesday: The Deep Freeze
If you thought Monday night was cold, Tuesday is the main event. We are looking at a high of only 21°F. That’s it. That’s the peak.
📖 Related: Effingham County Jail Bookings 72 Hours: What Really Happened
The low will bottom out at 13°F. With a steady 14 mph wind coming from the west, the wind chill is going to be in the single digits for most of the day. It’s the kind of weather where your phone battery dies in ten minutes if you keep it in an outside pocket. It’ll be sunny, but it’s "fake sun"—the kind that offers zero warmth.
Wednesday and Thursday: The Slow Thaw
By Wednesday, January 21, the grip of that Arctic air starts to loosen just a tiny bit. We’ll see partly sunny skies with a high of 34°F. However, the night still drops down to a bone-chilling 14°F. It’s a weird see-saw of temperatures.
Thursday, January 22, is actually looking... okay? For January, anyway. We’re hitting a high of 41°F under partly sunny skies. There’s a slight 20% chance of snow or a stray shower during the day, but it shouldn't be anything like today’s mess. The low will be a much more manageable 24°F.
👉 See also: Joseph Stalin Political Party: What Most People Get Wrong
What This Means for Your Week
Basically, the city is moving from a "snow event" into a "cold event." The snow today is the headline, but the sub-20-degree temperatures on Monday and Tuesday nights are the real safety concern.
New York City Emergency Management has already activated the "Code Blue" status. This means if you see someone outside who looks like they need shelter, call 311. In these temperatures, being outside for long stretches isn't just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours:
- Drip those faucets: If you live in one of those charming but drafty pre-war walk-ups, keep a tiny drip going on Tuesday night to prevent your pipes from freezing.
- Salt the sidewalk: Since the temp is dropping to 25°F tonight and then 15°F tomorrow, anything that melts today is going to be a sheet of black ice by Monday morning.
- Check your radiators: If yours isn't clanking yet, it's about to be. Make sure you haven't blocked your heat source with a couch or curtains.
- Commute early: Expect subways to have some "weather-related" delays tonight and tomorrow morning as the tracks freeze up.
The snow is pretty for now, but the ice and the deep freeze are what’s going to define the next few days in the city. Stay warm out there.