Honestly, if you’re looking out a window in Manhattan or Brooklyn today, you aren’t seeing raindrops. You’re seeing a whole lot of bright, deceptive sunshine.
Right now in New York, it is absolutely not raining. It’s sunny, but don’t let that golden light fool you into thinking it’s a nice day for a light jacket. As of 10:06 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026, the temperature is sitting at a crisp 27°F. But the real story is the wind. With 15 mph gusts coming out of the west, the "feels like" temperature is a brutal 16°F.
It’s the kind of cold that makes your eyes water the second you step out of the subway.
The short answer to is it raining in nyc right now
Basically, there is a 0% chance of precipitation at this exact moment. The humidity is low at 35%, and the sky is clear. If you’re checking the radar, you won’t see any green or yellow blobs moving over the five boroughs.
However, the weekend is a different story.
✨ Don't miss: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
While the sun is dominating the Friday morning commute, we’re actually tucked between two different weather systems. Forecasters at CBS New York and the National Weather Service are tracking a pair of "impulses" that are going to mess with our Saturday and Sunday plans. So, while it isn't raining right now, you should probably find your boots.
What’s coming after the sunshine?
Tonight, the "sunny" status shifts to "cloudy." The temperature will drop to a low of 22°F.
Here is what the next 48 hours look like:
- Friday Night: Clouds roll in. There’s about a 20% chance we see some stray snow showers overnight.
- Saturday: A high of 34°F. We’re looking at a 10% chance of daytime snow, but some models suggest a slushy mix as things "warm up" (if you can call 34 degrees warm).
- Sunday: This is the one to watch. A coastal storm is wobbling off the shore. If it moves 50 miles to the west, we’re looking at accumulating snow. If it stays out at sea, we just get more wind.
Why it feels colder than the thermometer says
New York is a wind tunnel. You’ve probably noticed that walking past the Flatiron Building or along the Hudson feels like entering a different climate zone.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
The current 15 mph western wind is the culprit behind that 16-degree wind chill. In the winter, the humidity in NYC drops—it's currently at 35%—which means the air is dry. Dry air doesn't hold heat well, and it saps moisture from your skin instantly.
If you're heading out to Bryant Park or just grabbing lunch in Midtown, the UV index is only 1. You don't need sunscreen, but you definitely need a scarf that covers your face.
NYC weather myths vs. reality
People always think the "Big Apple" is just gray and rainy in January.
Actually, January is often our sunniest winter month, even if it's the coldest. Today is a perfect example of that "Polar Vortex" light—high visibility, blue skies, and freezing temperatures. According to data from the local weather stations, we are currently behind an arctic front that has pushed cold air all the way down to Florida. When the South is freezing, you know New York is going to feel it.
💡 You might also like: Why the Man Black Hair Blue Eyes Combo is So Rare (and the Genetics Behind It)
How to handle the rest of today
Since it isn't raining, you don't need an umbrella. In fact, an umbrella in 15 mph winds is just a broken piece of plastic waiting to happen.
Instead, focus on windproofing. If you’re commuting, the "feels like" 16°F means any exposed skin is going to start hurting after about 15 minutes.
Actionable steps for New Yorkers today:
- Check the trains: Wind and extreme cold can sometimes cause signal issues or "frozen" switches, though today's wind isn't quite at the "gale force" level yet.
- Layer up for the evening: The temperature will stay below freezing all day. The high is only 34°F, and it'll hit that late in the afternoon before plummeting again.
- Prep for Saturday morning: If you have an early shift or a brunch reservation, keep an eye on the 10-20% snow chance. It’s not much, but on frozen pavement, a "dusting" is enough to make the sidewalk a skating rink.
- Hydrate: Dry air at 35% humidity is tough on the lungs and skin. Drink more water than you think you need.
Basically, enjoy the sun while it lasts. The clouds are coming back tonight, and by tomorrow, we might be talking about snow shovels instead of wind chills.