So, if you just stepped out of Penn Station or you're looking out a window in Midtown wondering why the air looks like it’s vibrating, here is the deal. Basically, the temperature right now in New York City is 24°F.
That number sounds manageable for mid-January, right? Honestly, it’s a bit of a lie.
Because of some pretty aggressive west winds coming in at 13 mph—with gusts that’ll basically knock the coffee right out of your hand—the "real feel" or wind chill is sitting at a brutal 11°F. It’s the kind of cold that finds the one gap in your scarf and makes itself at home.
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The Reality of January 16 in the Concrete Jungle
If you’re planning your day around that 24-degree reading, you've gotta recalibrate. The sun is out, which is nice for photos of the skyline, but it’s doing absolutely zero to actually warm up the pavement. Humidity is hanging around 42%, so the air is dry, crisp, and definitely "chapped lips" territory.
Currently, we are looking at:
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- Actual Temp: 24°F
- Wind Chill: 11°F
- Wind Speed: 13 mph (West)
- Sky Condition: Sunny but deceptive
We’re heading toward a predicted high of 34°F later this afternoon, but don't hold your breath for a "thaw." Even at the peak of the day, that wind is going to keep things feeling like they’re in the low 20s or teens.
What’s Coming Next (And Why You Should Care)
New York weather is famously moody, and today is just the setup. While it’s clear and bright right now, the National Weather Service is tracking a shift starting after midnight. We’ve got a 40% chance of snow creeping in late tonight as the temperature drops back down to a low of 22°F.
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Tomorrow, Saturday, looks even messier. We’re likely seeing a mix of snow and rain with about an inch of accumulation possible. If you’re visiting or commuting, that means slush. Lots of it.
Surviving the 11-Degree Wind Chill
New Yorkers have a specific way of dealing with this. It’s not about the heavy coat; it’s about the layers underneath. Since the dewpoint is sitting at a bone-dry 3°F, you’re going to feel the moisture leaving your skin the second you walk outside.
- Cover the extremities. Your ears will be the first to go.
- Watch the gusts. In the cross-streets (the ones running East-West), the wind tunnels between skyscrapers can turn a 13 mph breeze into a 30 mph blast.
- Check the subway. Cold like this sometimes causes rail issues, though the MTA is usually prepared for "standard" January freezes like this one.
Looking at the climate data for Central Park, this is actually pretty close to our historical norms, though we're a few degrees colder than the average 39°F high. We aren't breaking records today—the record high for Jan 16 was a balmy 58°F back in 1995—but we’re definitely in the "stay inside if you can" category.
Actionable Next Steps for Today
- Before 4:00 PM: If you have errands, do them now while the sun is up. Once the sun sets at 4:54 PM, the temperature will crater.
- Tonight: Double-check your flight or train status if you're leaving tomorrow morning; that 70% chance of precipitation on Saturday could cause some early delays.
- Gear Up: Dig out the thermal socks. Seriously. 11°F wind chill isn't something you want to fight in sneakers.