You've probably checked your phone three times already. I did. It says 96% chance of rain. Honestly, in Brooklyn, that usually means you’re getting wet, but today is kinda weird.
The air feels heavy. Cold, too. Right now, it's 36°F outside, but with that southwest wind kicking at 8 mph, it feels more like 30°F. If you’re heading out to Grab a coffee on Bedford or walking through Prospect Park, don't just look for raindrops. The atmosphere is currently sitting at 71% humidity, and while the "current condition" is officially listed as light rain, there’s a massive plot twist coming for the rest of your Saturday.
Chance of rain today in Brooklyn: The Snow Transition
Basically, the "rain" we are seeing now is just the opening act.
Most people see a 96% chance of precipitation and assume it's just a soggy day. But the National Weather Service and local data for January 17, 2026, show a 97% chance of snow during the daytime hours. That's a huge jump. It means that while you might see light rain right now, the high of 38°F is barely holding on.
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As that temperature begins its slow crawl toward the overnight low of 32°F, the "liquid" part of this forecast is going to vanish.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
When we talk about a 96% or 97% chance, meteorologists aren't just saying "it might rain." They are saying that across the Brooklyn area, precipitation is almost a statistical certainty.
- Current Temp: 36°F
- High Today: 38°F
- Chance of Precip: 96% (Rain) transitioning to 97% (Snow)
- Wind: Southwest at 8-9 mph
- Tonight's Low: 32°F
The "light rain" currently falling is essentially a precursor to a cold front pushing through. Usually, you’d expect a southwest wind to bring warmth, but today it’s just feeding the moisture. By tonight, the chance of snow drops significantly to 25%, and the sky will likely just stay cloudy.
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Why the UV Index is Zero
You won't need sunglasses. The UV index is a flat 0. Between the thick cloud cover and the 72% humidity forecast for the peak of the day, the sun is effectively canceled.
If you're planning on driving, keep in mind that "light rain" at 36°F is often more dangerous than actual snow. It creates that nasty, invisible slush on the BQE that makes everyone drive like they've never seen a puddle before.
The Evening Outlook
By the time the sun sets—around 4:55 PM according to the latest climatological reports—the heavy lifting of the storm will be over.
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We’re looking at a transition to "cloudy" conditions tonight. The wind will stay steady from the southwest at about 9 mph. While the chance of rain today in Brooklyn was the big headline this morning, the real story is the sub-freezing temperatures coming tonight.
Actionable Steps for Brooklynites
- Waterproof Your Feet: It’s 36°F. That’s the worst temperature for shoes. It's not cold enough to keep things frozen, so you're walking through a 36-degree slushie. Wear the boots.
- Watch the Ice: As we hit that 32°F low tonight, anything that fell as "light rain" this afternoon is going to glaze over.
- Plan for Sunday: The data shows a lull tonight, but there’s a coastal low lurking. If you have errands, do them during the "cloudy" break tonight before the 25% chance of late-night snow potentially picks back up.
The "rain" is really just the start of a very messy winter weekend. Keep your layers on; that 30°F "feels like" temp isn't going anywhere.