So, you’re looking out the window or checking your transit app and wondering if you actually need the heavy boots or if it's all just hype. Honestly, if you were expecting a massive blizzard today, Friday, January 16, 2026, you probably feel a bit let down. How much snow did New York City get today? Basically, not much. In fact, for most of the five boroughs, the total was a big fat zero for the daylight hours, though the "vibe" definitely shifted as the sun went down.
While Western New York was getting absolutely pummeled yesterday and today—we're talking over 13 inches in places like Colden—the city stayed mostly dry and grey. It was one of those classic NYC winter days where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket, but nothing actually falls.
The Snowfall Totals for Today
If we’re being technical about the numbers, Central Park and the major airports (JFK and LaGuardia) haven't recorded measurable accumulation during the day on Friday. Most of the action is "back-loaded," meaning it’s scheduled for the overnight hours leading into Saturday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently reporting that coastal areas, including the city proper, are looking at less than half an inch through the end of the night. It’s mostly been a day of "anticipating" rather than "shoveling." You might have seen a stray flurry if you were up in the Bronx or near the George Washington Bridge late this evening, but it’s mostly just a coating on the grass—if that.
Why the Forecast Feels So Different North of the City
New York weather is kind of notorious for that "line in the sand" where everything changes. While the city is seeing a trace to maybe a dusting, look just an hour north or west and it’s a totally different story.
- Interior Lower Hudson Valley: These folks are in a Winter Weather Advisory. They’re expecting 2 to 4 inches, with some spots hitting 5.
- North Jersey (Passaic and Morris): It’s a similar situation there. The "dry and fluffy" snow is expected to start around 1:00 AM.
- The Coast (NYC/Long Island): We’re dealing with warmer air coming off the water, which basically acts as a snow-killer.
The air temperature in the city hovered around 31°F tonight, but with a wind chill making it feel more like 25°F. That’s cold enough for snow, sure, but the moisture just hasn't arrived in force yet.
What Really Happened with the Weekend Storm?
Honestly, the "today" part of the story is just the prologue. We’re actually tracking two separate systems. The first one is a quick-mover that’s sliding in late tonight (Friday night) and will be gone by Saturday afternoon.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) didn't even issue a full-blown "Snow Alert" for today. Instead, they put out a "Winter Operations Advisory." That’s basically their way of saying, "We’re putting salt on the bridges and bike lanes just in case, but we aren't breaking out the heavy plows yet." They’ve got about 700 salt spreaders ready to go, mostly because they’re worried about the Saturday morning commute becoming a slushy mess rather than a winter wonderland.
If you're planning to head out Saturday, keep in mind that the NWS thinks the snow will turn into a rain-snow mix by the afternoon. When temperatures climb into the high 30s, whatever did manage to stick is going to turn into that grey, salty "New York Slush" we all know and love.
A Quick Reality Check on the Numbers
It’s easy to get confused by the headlines. You might see "MAJOR STORM" and think it’s hitting 42nd Street. Usually, those reports are talking about the "National" picture. For example, today there were 60-80 mph gusts in the Plains and heavy snow in Michigan. NYC is just getting the tail end of the energy from those systems.
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Looking Ahead: Is Sunday the Real Threat?
If you were hoping for a real snow day, Sunday might be your better bet, but even that is a "maybe." There’s a coastal storm developing that could graze the city. Current models suggest another trace to 1 inch for the city, while Eastern Long Island might actually see 2 to 4 inches.
The big story isn't actually the snow—it's the cold. By Monday and Tuesday, we’re looking at an Arctic blast that’s going to make today’s 31°F feel like a tropical vacation. Wind chills could drop to near zero.
Actionable Tips for New Yorkers Right Now
You don't need to panic-buy milk and bread, but you should probably do a few things before the Saturday morning "slush-fest" begins:
- Check the drains: If you have a house or a storefront, make sure the catch basin isn't blocked by trash. When the snow melts Saturday afternoon, that water needs somewhere to go.
- Salt early: If you're responsible for a sidewalk, get the salt down tonight or very early Saturday. It’s way easier to prevent ice than to chip it off later.
- MTA check: Saturday morning might have some bus delays or slick subway stairs. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes if you're heading to brunch.
- Mind the Monday holiday: Remember, it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday. DSNY already announced there’s no trash or recycling collection then. If we do get more snow Sunday, that trash might sit out a while, so keep it secure.
The bottom line? Today was mostly a "grey day" for NYC. The snow totals were negligible for the city itself, even if Western New York is currently buried. Enjoy the quiet night, because the slush is coming for your sneakers tomorrow morning.