You’ve felt it, right? That sharp, nose-stinging bite that only hits Manhattan in late January. Honestly, if you were expecting that weird "January thaw" we had a few weeks ago to stick around, New York City weather for Thursday is about to be a very cold reality check.
The city is currently trapped in a classic polar vortex tug-of-war. We just survived a messy weekend of snow alerts and salt spreaders, and now, the atmosphere is settling into a frigid, quiet rhythm.
The Thursday Breakdown: Numbers That Actually Matter
Let’s get into the weeds. Thursday, January 22, 2026, isn't going to be a "stay inside and cry" kind of day, but it’s definitely not a "light jacket for a walk in Central Park" day either.
The high is going to hit exactly 38°F. That sounds manageable until you realize the overnight low is dropping down to 23°F. We’re looking at a partly sunny sky during the day, which is basically nature’s way of tricking you into thinking it’s warmer than it actually is. By the time the sun dips, it turns partly cloudy, and that’s when the heat just evaporates off the pavement.
Humidity is sitting at 60%. In the summer, that’s a swamp. In January? It just makes the cold feel a bit "thicker," if that makes sense. It’s that damp chill that gets into your joints.
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Wind and the "Wind Chill" Lie
Here is what most people get wrong. They see "10 mph wind" and think it’s a breeze. But when that wind is coming from the southwest and the air temperature is already hovering near freezing, the wind chill makes it feel significantly lower.
Basically, you’re looking at a real-feel that will likely stay in the high 20s or low 30s all afternoon.
- Wind Speed: 10 mph
- Direction: Southwest
- UV Index: 2 (Don't worry about the sunburn, worry about the frostbite)
Is It Going to Snow?
I know, everyone is twitchy after the DSNY (Department of Sanitation) issued those snow alerts earlier this week. For Thursday, the chance of daytime precipitation is a tiny 5%. At night, it bumps up to 10%.
If anything falls, it’ll be "type: snow," but don't go buying extra milk and bread just yet. We’re talking about a few stray flakes or maybe a light dusting that won't even stick to the salted sidewalks. It's more of a "mood" than a "storm."
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Why This Matters for Your Week
New York is currently in the middle of a "polar plunge" cycle. The National Weather Service and various climate reports have been tracking these lobes of Arctic air. Thursday is actually the "calm" day before the next surge of frigid air hits us over the weekend.
It’s a weirdly dry month too. Despite the snow we've seen, we are still technically in a rainfall deficit. This means the air is crisp, dry, and perfect for carrying the scent of roasted nuts from the street carts—or exhaust fumes, depending on which block you're on.
Surviving the City Chill
If you're commuting, the "38-degree high" is a trap. You’ll be freezing at 8:00 AM, sweating in the subway station at 8:30 AM, and then freezing again when the sun goes down and that 23-degree low starts creeping in.
Layering is the only way. A heavy wool overcoat is great, but you need a base layer that breathes.
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Watch the ice. Even though it’s "partly sunny," any melt from the previous snow starts to refreeze once we hit that 23-degree mark at night. Black ice on the subway stairs is a real New York tradition nobody asked for.
Actionable Advice for Thursday
Check your heating. If you're in an older building, this is the night your pipes might start complaining.
If you're a property owner, remember the DSNY rules: if any stray snow does happen to fall and stops before 5:00 PM, you've got four hours to clear that sidewalk. Don't be the person who makes everyone walk in the street.
Lastly, if you see someone vulnerable out in the cold, call 311. A "Code Blue" is often in effect during these 20-degree nights, meaning no one seeking shelter will be turned away.
Prepare for a crisp, bright, but undeniably biting Thursday in the city. Keep the scarf handy.