Right now, if you’re looking out a window in Manhattan, things look a bit gray and, frankly, pretty damp. It’s 34°F. That’s that awkward temperature where it’s not quite freezing enough to feel crisp, but it’s definitely cold enough to make you regret forgetting your gloves. Honestly, the "feels like" situation is worse—it’s sitting at 30°F because of a light 5 mph breeze coming off the North.
The Snow Storm Nobody Wanted
Don’t let the current light rain fool you. We are technically in the middle of a heavy snow storm alert for Sunday, January 18, 2026. The city has actually activated the Winter Weather Emergency Plan.
While it started as a drizzle this afternoon, the atmosphere is basically a sponge right now with 85% humidity. The forecast for the rest of today is pretty aggressive: a 100% chance of snow during the daytime and 90% tonight. We’re looking at a high of 34°F and a low of 28°F.
It’s a classic NYC "two-part event."
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Part one was that little dusting we got yesterday. Part two is what's happening now through tonight. Most of the boroughs are bracing for 3 to 5 inches of the white stuff. If you’re in a high-rise looking down at the FDR or West Side Highway, expect those yellow salt spreaders to be the only things moving at a normal speed. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has already deployed about 700 of them.
What’s the rest of the week look like?
If you hate the slush, I have bad news. It’s going to get much colder before it gets any better. Once this system clears out by Monday morning, an Arctic air mass is moving in.
- Monday: Mostly sunny but breezy. High of 34°F, low of 24°F.
- Tuesday: This is where it gets brutal. We’re talking a high of only 24°F and a low of 17°F.
- Wednesday: Still freezing. 33°F high, but the low drops to a bone-chilling 13°F.
Basically, the "slush puddles" that form tonight are going to turn into solid blocks of ice by Tuesday morning. If you’re walking to the subway, watch your step.
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Is This Normal for January in New York?
Kinda.
Statistically, January is usually the coldest month for the island. We usually see highs around 39°F and lows near 28°F. What’s happening today is a bit of an outlier in terms of intensity. We’re dealing with a weak La Niña this year, which usually means the weather is a total toss-up. Some years it’s dry; this year, it’s clearly decided to be wet and snowy.
There's this weird trend over the last 15 years where New York winters are either "barely there" or "everything all at once." Today is definitely an "everything all at once" kind of day.
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Survival Tips for the Next 48 Hours
- Check the 311 App: Seriously. If you’re a property owner or even just a renter, the city is being super strict about sidewalk snow removal. Fines start at $100.
- The "Teen" Factor: When the temperature hits those mid-teens on Wednesday morning, regular fashion coats won't cut it. You need the heavy down parka.
- MTA Woes: Expect the above-ground lines (like the Q in Brooklyn or the 7 in Queens) to have some signal issues if the ice buildup gets bad tonight.
The UV index is at a big fat zero today, so you don't need to worry about sun protection, but you definitely need to worry about your waterproof boots. This isn't the "pretty" snow from the movies—it’s the heavy, wet New York snow that turns into gray sludge within three hours.
Next Steps for New Yorkers
Check the National Weather Service updates before heading out for the Monday morning commute. Secure any loose items on balconies or terraces, as the wind is expected to pick up to 15 mph tomorrow morning, creating significant wind chill factors. If you don't have to be on the roads tonight, stay home and let the sanitation crews do their thing.