Right now, if you’re looking out a window in Manhattan or Brooklyn, things probably look a bit like a snow globe that someone shook way too hard. Honestly, it’s a mess. We are currently sitting in the middle of a heavy snow storm that caught quite a few people off guard this Sunday, January 18. The extended forecast New York NY is currently the only thing on anyone's mind, mostly because we’re trying to figure out if we should actually cancel those Monday brunch plans or if the city will be magically cleared by sunrise.
The current vibe? It’s 34°F outside, but with the wind coming out of the north at 6 mph, it feels more like 28°F. That damp, biting cold is classic NYC. We’ve got a 100% chance of snow today, and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is basically in full "war room" mode with 700 salt spreaders and a literal mountain of salt—700 million pounds, to be exact—waiting to hit the pavement.
But what happens after the plows go home?
The 14-Day Reality Check
If you’re looking for a break from the winter gloom, I’ve got some bad news. The next two weeks look like a rollercoaster of "cold" and "colder."
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the snow should taper off into a cloudy night, but the temperature is going to drop. We’re looking at a high of 34°F and a low of 24°F. Basically, whatever melts today is going to turn into a sheet of ice tonight. If you're walking the dog, watch out for that black ice; it's the real villain of the New York winter.
By Tuesday, things get even more intense. The mercury is set to dive to a high of only 24°F and a low of 17°F. That is "stay inside and order ramen" weather. We’ll see some sun, but don’t let it fool you. It’s that deceptive winter sun that looks pretty from behind a window but offers zero warmth.
Breaking Down the Weekly Pattern
- Wednesday, Jan 21: A slight "warm-up" to 33°F, though the low stays at a brutal 13°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Overcast with a high of 37°F. We might see a light snow mix late in the day.
- Friday, Jan 23: Afternoon clouds with a high of 29°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Another round of light snow is possible. High of 20°F, low of 16°F.
It’s pretty clear that winter has finally decided to show up for real. After a relatively quiet start to the season, this January stretch is proving that New York doesn't do "mild" very well once the calendar turns.
Why the Forecast Keeps Changing
You've probably noticed that the weather apps can't seem to agree. One minute it’s three inches of snow, the next it’s seven. That’s because we’re currently dealing with a weak La Niña pattern. Normally, La Niña means a warmer, drier winter for the Southern U.S., but for us in the Northeast, it’s a wild card.
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Weak La Niña events often lead to more "storminess" in the Ohio Valley, which tends to bleed over into New York. It also means the Jet Stream is acting like a wiggly noodle, steering cold air outbreaks directly into Central Park. According to the Climate Prediction Center, there’s a 75% chance we transition to "ENSO-neutral" (basically normal conditions) by March, but until then, we’re at the mercy of these shifting bands.
Honestly, the "Bladerunner 2.0" GPS tracking system the city uses to manage plows is probably the most reliable piece of tech we have right now. It helps them see exactly where the salt has been dropped in real-time.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
Since the extended forecast New York NY isn't showing any tropical heatwaves anytime soon, you've gotta prep.
First, let's talk trash. Because of the holiday and the snow, DSNY has confirmed there is NO collection on Monday, January 19. If you usually put your bins out on Monday, wait until Monday evening for a Tuesday pickup. Don't be that neighbor who leaves bags out to get buried under a snowbank. It makes the sidewalk a nightmare for everyone else.
Second, if you're a homeowner or a business owner, remember that NYC sidewalk laws are no joke. You have a specific window of time to clear the snow after it stops falling, or you’re looking at fines starting at $100. If the snow stops during the day, you usually have four hours to get it done. If it stops at night, you’ve got until 11 a.m. the next morning.
Essential Gear Check
If your boots aren't waterproof, you’re going to have a bad time. The slush puddles at the corner of every street—we call them "slush lakes"—are often six inches deep and hide a soul-crushing mixture of ice water and street grime.
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- Layering is key: Wear a base layer that wicks moisture. Sweat is your enemy when it's 17 degrees out.
- Salt your stoop: Do it before the ice sets in tonight.
- Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly who might struggle with the upcoming deep freeze on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Looking Toward February
Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Kinda. Long-range models suggest February might actually be slightly warmer than average—maybe reaching highs of 42°F or so. But don't get too excited. February is historically our snowiest month. Even if it's "warmer," that often just means we get heavy, wet "heart-attack snow" instead of the light, fluffy stuff.
The Farmer’s Almanac and other long-range tools are hinting at a snowstorm toward the end of February, so keep the shovel handy. We aren't out of the woods yet.
What to Do Now
The best move? Stay off the roads today. Between the heavy snow and the 90% chance of continued precipitation tonight, driving is just a recipe for a headache.
- Check your transit: The MTA usually handles snow okay, but ice on the outdoor tracks (like the Q or the 7 line) can cause major delays. Check the MYmta app before you leave.
- Pet safety: The salt used on streets can burn dog paws. Use booties or wash their feet as soon as they get inside.
- Heat issues: If your landlord isn't keeping the building at least 68°F during the day (when it's below 55°F outside), call 311. You have rights, and it's going to be a very cold week.
New York winters are a test of endurance, but hey, at least the city looks pretty for a few hours before the snow turns into that gray slush we all know and love. Stay warm, stay safe, and maybe keep an extra box of hot cocoa in the pantry. You’re gonna need it.