If you’re standing on a street corner in Manhattan right now, you probably don’t need me to tell you it's chilly. But there’s a specific kind of "January in New York" cold that catches people off guard. It’s not just the number on the thermometer; it’s the way the wind tunnels between the skyscrapers and the dampness that seems to settle in your bones.
Right now, live weather in New York City is sitting at a crisp 33°F. Honestly, that doesn't sound too bad on paper, right? But with the wind coming out of the south at about 5 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually closer to 28°F. It’s nighttime, the sky is completely covered in clouds, and there’s a quietness to the air that usually signals something is about to change.
If you're planning your day for Saturday, January 17, 2026, you’ve basically got a messy transition ahead of you.
The Saturday Slush: What to Expect
Most people see "snow" in the forecast and think of a winter wonderland. In NYC, it’s usually more of a "slushy headache."
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For Saturday, the city is looking at a high of 38°F and a low of 31°F. That narrow window around freezing is exactly why the National Weather Service is calling for a mix of rain and snow. During the day, there is a 65% chance of precipitation.
If you are heading out, here is the breakdown of the environment you're walking into:
The humidity is expected to hit 70%. That’s high. It means the air is heavy, and any snow that falls is going to be that wet, heavy variety that turns into grey goop the second it hits a heated sidewalk. Wind will be kicking up a bit more than tonight, reaching 10 mph from the southwest.
Why the Polar Vortex Matters This Week
You might have heard the term "Polar Vortex" being thrown around on the news lately. It sounds like a low-budget sci-fi movie, but it’s a very real atmospheric phenomenon that's currently stretching down toward the Northeast.
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Essentially, the cold air that's usually trapped at the North Pole is leaking. While Saturday is messy and wet, the real story for live weather in New York City is the deep freeze predicted for early next week. By Monday night and into Tuesday, we are looking at temperatures that could be 10 to 20 degrees below normal.
We aren't talking "wear a scarf" cold. We are talking "your face hurts after three minutes" cold.
The Real Deal on Snow Accumulation
Don't expect to go skiing in Central Park just yet. While areas north of the city like the Lower Hudson Valley might see 2 to 4 inches, the "Urban Heat Island" effect usually keeps the Five Boroughs a bit warmer.
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- Manhattan/Brooklyn: Likely just a trace to half an inch of slush before it turns to rain.
- The Bronx/Upper Manhattan: Might see a slightly better coating, but still nothing major.
- The Coast (Queens/Staten Island): Mostly rain as the warmer ocean air moves in.
Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
If you have to be out in this, forget being fashionable. New Yorkers love black coats, but right now you need waterproof boots.
The humidity at 53% tonight is going to jump tomorrow. When it's 38°F and raining/snowing, leather shoes are your enemy. They will soak through, and then your feet will freeze when the temperature drops back to 31°F tomorrow night.
Also, keep an eye on the wind. While 10 mph isn't a gale, in the "canyons" of Midtown, that wind gets compressed. It can feel twice as strong and significantly colder than what the sensor at Central Park says.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Radar at 9:00 AM: This is when the transition from snow to rain is most likely to start. If you want to see the "pretty" snow, go out early.
- Salt Your Walkway: Since the temperature will dip to 31°F tomorrow night, any rain that falls Saturday afternoon will turn into a sheet of ice by Sunday morning.
- Prep for Monday: The Polar Vortex air arrives soon. Make sure your heating system is actually working and you've got the heavy-duty layers ready.
Living in the city means the weather is just another character in the story of your day. Saturday’s "rain and snow" mix is a bit of a nuisance, but it’s the calm before the arctic storm arriving next week. Stay dry, keep your feet covered, and maybe grab an extra espresso—it's going to be a grey one.
Would you like me to check the specific transit impacts for the subway lines during this snow-rain transition?