Honestly, if you thought you’d escaped the worst of winter this year, New York has a surprise for you.
It's cold. Really cold.
As of Friday, January 16, 2026, the current temperature in Manhattan is sitting at 32°F. That sounds manageable for mid-January, right? Wrong. With the wind whipping in from the west at 8 mph, it actually feels like 25°F.
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The Manhattan weather this week is basically a crash course in "Arctic air." We’re looking at a week where the mercury struggles to climb, and by Tuesday, we’re going to be rivaling Anchorage, Alaska for the title of "most miserable commute."
The Weekend Snow "Tease"
Don't go looking for your sled just yet.
While two separate weather systems are eyeing the city this weekend, they aren't looking like blockbuster blizzards. Tonight, Friday, we might see a bit of snow toward dawn. It won’t be much, but even a thin coating can turn those Manhattan sidewalks into ice rinks. The low tonight hits 22°F, so anything that falls is sticking.
Saturday, January 17, brings a messy "wintry mix." We're talking rain and snow with a high of 38°F and a low of 34°F. It’s that slushy, grey New York mess that ruins your boots. There’s about a 40% chance of snow during the day, tapering off to 20% by nightfall.
Sunday stays grey with snow showers and a high of 36°F. If you’re planning a walk in Central Park, do it early, because the temperature drops to 26°F overnight.
The Arctic Blast: Tuesday is the Real Test
If you think the weekend is chilly, wait until Monday and Tuesday.
Monday, January 19, looks beautiful on paper—sunny skies and a high of 35°F. But the real story starts Monday night when the temperature craters to 18°F.
Tuesday is where things get wild. We’re looking at a daytime high of only 22°F. Let that sink in. With winds around 11 mph, the "RealFeel" is expected to hit the single digits. According to meteorologists, Manhattan will actually feel colder than Anchorage, Alaska on Tuesday. While Anchorage might hover around 27°F, New York's biting wind will make the city feel significantly more brutal.
Quick Look at the Numbers
- Friday, Jan 16: High 34°F / Low 22°F (Mostly cloudy)
- Saturday, Jan 17: High 38°F / Low 34°F (Rain and snow mix)
- Sunday, Jan 18: High 36°F / Low 26°F (Snow showers)
- Monday, Jan 19: High 35°F / Low 18°F (Clear and sunny)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: High 22°F / Low 17°F (The coldest day)
Surviving the Manhattan Chill
This isn't the week for your "fashion over function" coat.
You need layers. Specifically, a base layer that wicks moisture, a middle insulating layer, and a wind-blocking outer shell. The wind coming off the Hudson is no joke when it's 20 degrees outside.
Also, keep an eye on the subway. Cold snaps like this often lead to rail issues or "frozen" switches, especially for the above-ground lines in the outer boroughs heading into Manhattan. If you’re heading out early Saturday morning or late Friday night, expect the kind of sneak-up delays that happen when the city transitions from rain to ice.
The good news? By Thursday, January 22, we see a slight recovery with a high of 37°F, though more snow showers are in the forecast. It’s a classic New York January—unpredictable, occasionally beautiful, and consistently freezing.
To stay ahead of the freeze, check your building’s heating regulations. In NYC, "Heat Season" is in full effect, and landlords are legally required to keep your apartment at least 68°F during the day if it’s below 55°F outside. If you’re shivering indoors, don't just layer up—call 311. For the commute, swap the leather-soled shoes for something with grip; that Saturday slush-to-ice transition is the leading cause of "sidewalk ego-bruising" in the city.