So, if you looked out your window this morning and saw that gray, heavy sky, you already know the vibe. New York City is currently in the thick of its first real accumulating snow event of 2026. Honestly, after that weirdly dry 2025 we just crawled out of, seeing actual flakes that stick feels kinda nostalgic—or totally annoying, depending on whether you have to shovel.
But let's get into the weeds. How much snow is nyc getting?
Right now, the National Weather Service has a Winter Weather Advisory locked in until 8 p.m. tonight. This isn't some massive "shut down the city" blizzard, but it’s definitely more than a dusting. Most of the five boroughs are looking at a solid 2 to 5 inches before the system clears out.
What’s Happening on the Ground Right Now
Today, Sunday, January 18, is the main event. We started with some light rain and slush earlier, but as that northwest wind (currently around 3 mph) starts to interact with the cold air moving in, the transition to pure snow is well underway.
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The timing is the tricky part.
Basically, the "prime time" for the heaviest accumulation is slated for two windows: the first was the late morning burst, and the second is expected between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you're in eastern Queens or southeast Brooklyn, you might even see slightly higher totals, maybe creeping toward that 4-inch mark.
- Current Temp: Hovering right around 33°F.
- Tonight's Low: Dropping to 24°F.
- Wind Direction: North/Northwest.
That temperature drop is the real kicker. Because we're sitting so close to the freezing mark, the snow is that heavy, wet, heart-attack-on-a-shovel kind of stuff. It’s not the light, fluffy powder you see in Vermont. It’s basically gray Slurpee material.
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The Commute and the "Code Blue"
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Emergency Management have already pulled the trigger on a Travel Advisory. They aren't kidding. Even though 2 to 5 inches doesn't sound like much to a Buffalonian, in Manhattan, it means black ice and slush puddles deep enough to swallow a Chelsea boot.
Also, a Code Blue is officially in effect. This is important: it means no one seeking shelter will be turned away while temperatures are this low. If you see someone out there who looks like they’re struggling in the cold, call 311. The city has outreach teams hitting the pavement in all five boroughs today.
Sanitation and Shoveling Rules
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has been on a "Snow Alert" since 4:00 a.m. They’ve got about 700 million pounds of salt ready to go. You’ve probably already heard the spreaders rattling down your street.
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One thing most people forget: you are legally responsible for your sidewalk. If the snow stops falling before 5 p.m. today, you’ve only got four hours to clear a path. If you wait, the fines start at $100. Don't be that neighbor.
Looking Ahead: Is There More Coming?
Once this wraps up tonight around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., things get quiet but very, very cold.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There’s basically zero chance of more snow (only a 5% chance of a stray flake), but the high is only hitting 32°F. Whatever we get today is going to freeze solid tonight. Tuesday is even more brutal, with a high of just 21°F and a low of 13°F.
If you’re planning your week, don't expect a quick melt. That slush is going to turn into "city ice" and hang around until at least Thursday when we finally climb back toward 39°F.
Your Immediate Action Plan
- Clear your sidewalk early. If you wait until tonight when it hits 24°F, that slush will turn into a sheet of glass.
- Check your heat. Landlords are required to keep it at 68°F during the day if it’s below 55°F outside. If your radiator is knocking but not heating, call 311 after you bug the super.
- Avoid the FDR and the BQE. Seriously. Just take the train if you have to move around. The roads are going to be a mess during that 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. heavy snow window.
- Prep for Monday. Since it’s a holiday, there’s no trash or recycling collection. Keep your bins tucked away so the plows can do their thing.
Keep an eye on the sky this afternoon. That second wave of 2-5 inches is the one that’ll really determine if you’re working from home tomorrow or spending the morning chipping ice off your windshield.