Honestly, if you’re standing on a street corner in Manhattan right now, you aren't thinking about averages. You’re thinking about whether your coat is zipped high enough.
As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the current temperature in New York City is 39°F.
It’s cloudy. It’s grey. It feels exactly like a January morning in the Northeast should feel, though maybe a little more damp than usual. We’ve got a light breeze coming in from the south at about 3 mph, which basically means the air is just sitting there, holding onto that 45% humidity.
What the Rest of the Day Looks Like
You’ve probably noticed the sky looks a bit heavy. That's because we’re staring down a high of 39°F for the day, but the "real" story is the precipitation. Forecasters are calling for a mix of rain and snow throughout the daylight hours. There’s an 86% chance of snow specifically, so don't be shocked if those big, wet flakes start sticking to your windshield.
Tonight, things settle down a bit. The temperature will dip to a low of 33°F. It’ll stay cloudy, but the chance of snow drops significantly to about 20%.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has already been out salting. They issued a Winter Operations Advisory starting at midnight because, let’s be real, 39 degrees is that awkward "will it freeze or just be a puddle?" territory. They’ve got over 700 salt spreaders ready, which is lucky for anyone trying to navigate the BQE later.
Why New York Weather Feels "Different"
Ever notice how 39°F in Central Park feels nothing like 39°F on 42nd Street? You’ve got the wind tunnel effect. Those massive skyscrapers act like giant funnels, turning a lazy 3 mph breeze into a localized gust that’ll whip your umbrella inside out.
Then there’s the Urban Heat Island effect.
New York is basically a giant concrete battery. All that pavement and brick absorbs heat during the day and leaks it back out at night. This is why the city often stays a few degrees warmer than the suburbs in Westchester or out on the Island. It’s also why the snow in the city usually turns into that lovely grey "slush" much faster than it does anywhere else.
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The Bigger Picture: Is New York Getting Warmer?
If you feel like you aren't wearing your heavy puffer jacket as much as you used to, you aren't imagining it. Historical data shows that January in NYC is typically the coldest month, with an average high of 39°F and a low of 27°F.
But "typical" is a moving target.
Over the last few decades, winter temperatures in the state have been climbing by about 0.62°F per decade. Since 1901, the average temperature has jumped by nearly 2.6°F. This shift means we see more "mixed" events—like today's rain-snow combo—rather than the crisp, dry snowfalls of the mid-20th century. Experts from the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment suggest that by the end of the century, the city could have 30 to 60 fewer days below freezing than it did in the 80s.
How to Handle Today
Kinda sounds like a "stay inside and order a bagel" kind of day, doesn't it? If you have to go out, here’s the reality:
- Layering is king. 39°F is that weird middle ground where you’ll sweat in a heavy parka if you're walking fast but freeze if you're waiting for the R train.
- Waterproof your life. With an 86% chance of snow/rain, your leather boots are going to take a beating from the salt and slush.
- Check the bridges. Wind speeds are low now, but they can pick up fast near the water.
Your NYC Winter Checklist
If you’re living here or just visiting for the weekend, keep these specific bits in mind.
First, watch the DSNY updates. They use a system called Bladerunner 2.0 to track every single salt spreader in the city. If the roads look clear, it’s because those guys are working overtime. Second, remember that Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There’s no trash or recycling collection, and if this snow turns into ice, those schedules might get even weirder.
Honestly, the best thing you can do today is keep an eye on the "feels like" temp. While the thermometer says 39°F, the dampness makes it feel a lot more "bone-chilling" than a dry 30 degrees would.
Actionable Next Steps
- Seal your windows. If you’re in an older apartment, check for drafts today. That 33°F low tonight will find every crack in your window frame.
- Download the Notify NYC app. It’s the fastest way to get alerts about bridge closures or subway delays caused by the rain-snow mix.
- Check your heaters. If your radiator is clanking, give it a bleed now before the temperatures drop further next week.