It's actually 43°F in Central Park right now. If you're standing on a street corner in Manhattan waiting for the M15 bus, that number might feel like a flat-out lie. Between the wind tunnels created by the skyscrapers and the 60% humidity hanging in the air tonight, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the "feels like" temperature is hovering closer to 39°F.
Honestly, it’s that classic New York winter "damp cold." It isn't the kind of deep freeze that cracks the pavement, but it’s definitely the kind that seeps through a light denim jacket.
What's happening with the New York current temperature right now?
The city is currently tucked under a heavy blanket of clouds. We had a high of 48°F earlier today, which is actually a bit of a "January Thaw" gift. Usually, mid-January in New York is a brutal stretch where the mercury struggles to hit 40°F. But tonight, we’re seeing a southwest wind at about 7 mph keeping things relatively stable.
The National Weather Service is reporting mostly cloudy skies, and if you look at the radar, there's a tiny 10% to 20% chance of a stray shower after midnight. It’s not a washout. You won’t need a kayak to get through Times Square, but a small umbrella wouldn't be the worst idea if you’re pulling an all-nighter.
The "Game-Changer" coming on Wednesday and Thursday
If you think 43°F is chilly, brace yourself. We are currently in the "calm before the storm" phase. Meteorologists like Greg Soulje and the team at the NWS are tracking a major shift.
Wednesday, January 14, is going to start out deceptively mild. We might even hit 51°F by the afternoon. Enjoy it while it lasts. By sunset, a frontal boundary is going to strengthen, and that’s when the "January Thaw" officially ends.
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- Wednesday Night: Rain moves in.
- The Transition: As the clock ticks toward Thursday morning, that rain is going to mix with snow.
- Thursday Morning: The temperature is expected to plummet to a low of 23°F.
That is a nearly 30-degree drop in less than 24 hours. Basically, the city is going from "light jacket weather" to "where did I put my thermal underwear?" in the span of a work shift.
Understanding the NYC Microclimates
One thing most people get wrong about the New York current temperature is assuming it's the same everywhere. It isn't.
If you are in the North Bronx or out by Yonkers, you’re often 3 to 5 degrees cooler than the "official" reading at Central Park. Why? Because the heat island effect is real. All those millions of tons of concrete, the subway vents pumping out hot air, and the millions of people living on top of each other keep Midtown slightly warmer than the leafy suburbs.
Conversely, if you’re down by the Battery or along the Hudson River Park, the wind off the water can make 43°F feel like 30°F. The "Current Hazards" map from the NWS often shows Gale Warnings for the harbor even when the city streets seem calm.
Is this normal for January?
Actually, yes and no.
Historically, the average high for mid-January in NYC is about 39°F. Being at 43°F tonight and hitting 51°F tomorrow puts us slightly above the curve. However, the volatility is the real New York story. We’ve seen years where January hits 60°F and others where the Hudson River actually starts to choke with ice floes.
According to records at Central Park, the coldest day of the year usually hits around January 29. We are approaching that window now. The fact that we’re seeing 23°F in the forecast for Friday morning suggests that the polar vortex might be doing its annual dance with the East Coast again.
Practical Steps for New Yorkers Tonight
Since the weather is about to take a nose-dive, here is what you actually need to do instead of just checking your phone every five minutes.
- Drip your pipes: If you live in an older walk-up with exposed plumbing on an exterior wall, and you know the temperature is hitting 23°F on Thursday night, keep a tiny trickle of water running. Frozen pipes in a pre-war building are a nightmare you don't want.
- Check the "Notify NYC" alerts: If you haven't signed up, text "NotifyNYC" to 692-692. They’ll tell you if Alternate Side Parking is suspended for snow.
- Layers for Wednesday: Tomorrow is a "double-decker" day. Wear a waterproof outer shell because that evening rain is going to be messy before it turns to slush.
- Salt the stoop: If you own a brownstone or a small business, get the salt out on Wednesday night. That rain-to-snow transition is the perfect recipe for a "black ice" sidewalk by Thursday morning.
The current 43°F temperature is just a temporary grace period. By Friday, the wind chills are going to be biting, and the "mostly cloudy" skies will likely be replaced by those sharp, clear, freezing blue-sky days that define a true New York winter. Dress for the drop, not the current number.