Waking up in the city that never sleeps is a lot easier when you aren't guessing whether you need a heavy parka or just a light trench. If you're looking out the window right now and wondering how's the weather in New York today, the short answer is: it’s complicated.
Honestly, it’s one of those classic January mornings where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket. We're currently sitting at about 41°F, which sounds almost balmy for mid-winter, but don't let that number fool you. With the humidity hanging around 84%, that dampness is going to seep right through your jeans. It’s the kind of "raw" cold that New Yorkers love to complain about over a bodega coffee.
The Afternoon Shift: From Clouds to Chills
As we move through this Thursday, January 15, things are going to change. Fast. While we started the day with some lingering clouds and a bit of "junk" in the air—mostly just a 19% chance of light rain or drizzle—the real story is the temperature drop coming our way.
The high for today is basically right now. We likely won't see much past 40°F or 41°F. By the time the sun starts to dip, that southwest wind is going to pivot. We’re looking at west winds kicking up to about 17 mph, which will make that 40-degree high feel more like the low 30s. If you’re heading out for a late lunch or an early happy hour, you’ve definitely got to account for the wind chill. It’s biting.
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Is It Actually Going to Snow?
This is the big question everyone asks when they check how's the weather in New York today. If you have friends upstate or out in Western New York, they are currently getting hammered. Buffalo and the Finger Lakes are dealing with a legit Winter Storm Warning with some spots looking at 8 to 12 inches of the white stuff.
Down here in the five boroughs? We’re mostly getting the leftovers. There’s a slight 20% chance of some light snow flurries later this afternoon, but it’s not going to be the "shut down the subway" kind of event. It’s more of a "pretty for five minutes then turns into gray slush" kind of situation.
- Check the radar before 3:00 PM.
- Expect the dampness to turn into a crisp, dry cold by evening.
- Don't worry about the shovel—worry about your ears.
The real drop happens tonight. We are plummeting down to a low of 21°F. That is a twenty-degree swing from the morning's start. If you left the house this morning in a light jacket because it felt "okay," you are going to be miserable by the time you’re heading home from the office or a Broadway show.
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Why NYC Weather Feels Different
Basically, New York is a concrete wind tunnel. Even if the thermometer says it's 35°F, the way the wind whips around buildings like the Hudson Yards or down the avenues can drop the "real feel" by ten degrees in a single block. Today, that southwest-to-west wind transition is the main character.
Humidity plays a huge role too. In the summer, it’s the heat that kills you; in January, it’s the moisture. High humidity at 40°F feels significantly colder than a dry 30°F. Your clothes absorb that moisture, and the wind carries your body heat away. It's science, but it feels like a personal attack.
Surviving the January 15 Forecast
If you're wondering how's the weather in New York today for your commute, here is the expert advice: layer like an onion. You want a base layer that wicks away that morning dampness, a solid sweater for the mid-day dip, and a windproof outer shell for the evening.
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Waterproof boots are a "must" today. Even if it doesn't dump snow, the puddles from the overnight rain and the potential flurries this afternoon will create that lovely NYC slush at every crosswalk. You know the one—the puddle that looks shallow but is actually four inches deep.
What Most People Get Wrong About Today
A lot of visitors see "partly sunny" or "40 degrees" on their phone app and think they can get away with sneakers and a hoodie. That is a mistake. The UV index is a 1 today, meaning the sun provides zero warmth even when it peeks through the clouds.
Also, keep an eye on the transit. While the weather isn't severe enough to stop the trains, cold snaps like the one hitting tonight often cause "rail shrinkage" or signal issues. Give yourself an extra fifteen minutes if you're traveling after 6:00 PM.
Actionable Tips for Your Thursday
- Charge your phone: Cold drains batteries faster, especially if you're outside taking photos of the skyline or using GPS.
- Moisturize: This wind transition is going to wreck your skin. Use a heavy balm before you head out into the 17 mph gusts.
- Mind the "Dry Slot": Meteorologists have been talking about a "dry slot" in this system. This means while Buffalo gets buried, we might see a total break in precipitation for a few hours. Use that window to run your errands.
- Scarf up: Seriously. Covering your neck makes a 5-degree difference in how your entire body perceives the cold.
By the time Friday morning rolls around, we’ll be dealing with a much clearer, but much colder, reality. The dampness will be gone, replaced by that sharp, crystalline winter air. For now, just stay dry and keep your collar up. New York is beautiful in the winter, but it doesn't suffer fools who forget their gloves.