New York in late January is a mood. Honestly, it’s usually the kind of mood that involves triple-layering your socks and questioning why you didn't move to San Diego. If you’re looking at the new york weather forecast 15 days ahead, you’re likely seeing a chaotic mix of "is that rain or sleet?" and "where did the sun go?"
It’s currently January 17, 2026.
Right now, the city is sitting at a crisp 32°F. It feels like 27°F because the wind is kicking up from the southwest at 6 mph. Humidity is pinned at 85%. Basically, it's that damp, heavy cold that sticks to your bones.
The 15-Day Reality Check
Don't let the "partly cloudy" nighttime vibes fool you. We are staring down a two-week stretch that looks like a rollercoaster designed by someone who hates stable temperatures.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is looking messy. We're talking snow showers during the day and light snow at night. High of 34°F, low of 22°F. The humidity is going to spike to 92%, making that 34°F feel a whole lot colder. If you're planning to head out, Sunday is the day to break out the heavy-duty boots.
By Monday, the city gets a temporary break. Mostly sunny, but the high drops to 31°F and the low plummets to 16°F.
Then comes Tuesday, January 20. This is the "arctic slap." We’re looking at a high of only 22°F and a low of 13°F. It'll be sunny, sure, but that west wind at 12 mph means you’ll want to cover every inch of exposed skin.
Mid-Range Outlook: The Fluctuation Continues
Wednesday, January 21, sees a slight rebound to 34°F, but it stays cloudy. The nights remain brutal, dipping back down to 13°F.
Thursday, January 22, is the "warmest" day in the immediate queue with a high of 39°F. But New York weather loves a plot twist; an icy mix or light snow is often lurking when the temps hover just above freezing like this.
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The weekend of January 24-25 brings more snow potential. Saturday is forecasting a high of 32°F with snow likely, and Sunday stays cold at 22°F with snow showers returning at night.
Why This Forecast Matters
Most people check the new york weather forecast 15 days out and see a number like 30°F and think, "Okay, cold." But in NYC, it's never just the number.
It’s the wind tunnels between the skyscrapers.
It’s the "slush puddles" at the corner of every crosswalk that look two inches deep but are actually four.
Experts from the National Weather Service often point out that January is historically the city's coldest month. This year, we are seeing the classic "January Thaw" get skipped in favor of consistent, biting cold. According to data from the Atlantic Corridor long-range reports, this late-January period is expected to be about 2° below the historical average.
How to Actually Handle the Next Two Weeks
If you’re living through this or visiting, here is the non-tourist advice for this specific forecast.
- Forget the Umbrella: If it’s snowing and the wind is hitting 19 mph (like it will on Tuesday, January 27), an umbrella is just a broken piece of metal waiting to happen. Wear a hooded, water-resistant shell.
- The 20-Degree Rule: When the forecast says 20°F in New York, the "RealFeel" or "Feels Like" index is almost always 5 to 10 degrees lower due to the humidity and wind off the Hudson and East Rivers.
- Watch the Ice: The transition from 38°F (today) to 13°F (Tuesday) is the perfect recipe for "black ice" on the sidewalks.
Looking further out toward the end of the month, January 26 and 27 look particularly grim. We're seeing highs of 22°F and 17°F respectively. Tuesday the 27th will be especially biting with 19 mph winds from the west.
New York weather is predictable only in its ability to be uncomfortable. This 15-day window is a prime example of why the city's residents have "winter faces"—that squinty, head-down power walk used to navigate the wind.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your gear: Check the seals on your winter boots today before the Sunday snow hits.
- Layer strategically: Use moisture-wicking base layers for the 20th and 27th; cotton is your enemy when the humidity is high and the temps are low.
- Plan travel buffers: Expect subway delays and slower Uber times during the snow windows on Jan 18, 24, and 25.