So, you’re looking at your phone and seeing a number that looks reasonable for a January morning in the city, but then you step out of your apartment and realize your face is immediately numb. Welcome to winter in New York. Honestly, the raw temperature is almost always a lie here because of the way the wind tunnels through the avenues.
Right now, New York is sitting at a crisp 23°F.
On paper, that’s just a standard cold day. But the real story is the "feels like" temperature, which is currently a brutal 10°F. If you’re planning to walk more than three blocks, you’ve basically got to dress for the Arctic, not the office. We’re dealing with 13 mph winds coming straight out of the west, and if you’ve ever stood on 11th Avenue near the Hudson, you know exactly what that does to your soul.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
The sky is actually gorgeous—totally sunny with 0% chance of rain or snow for the immediate morning hours. It’s one of those "Blue Sky Deceptions" where it looks like a perfect day through a window, but the air is sharp enough to cut.
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Here is the breakdown of the numbers you actually need for Friday, January 16, 2026:
- Current Temperature: 23°F
- The "Real" Cold: 10°F (Feels Like)
- Wind Speed: 13 mph West
- Humidity: 42%
- UV Index: 0 (Don't worry about the sun today)
As we move through the afternoon, we’ll see a "warm-up"—if you can even call it that. The high is expected to hit 34°F. That’s technically above freezing, but with the 14 mph gusts sticking around, it’s not going to feel like a heatwave.
The Weekend Shift: Is Snow Actually Coming?
Everyone in the city starts acting a little differently when the word "accumulation" gets thrown around. Right now, the forecast for later tonight shows a shift. While it’s sunny now, we’re looking at cloudy skies moving in this evening.
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The overnight low is dropping to 22°F.
There is a 10% chance of snow both during the day and tonight. While that sounds low, New York weather right now is in a bit of a transition phase. Two different weather systems are eyeing the region for the weekend. Most meteorologists, like the crew over at CBS New York, are tracking a potential "quick coating" that could arrive overnight Friday into Saturday morning.
Navigating the "Wind Chill" Factor
You’ve probably heard people complain that "it’s a wet cold" or "the wind is the real killer." In Manhattan, the wind is a physical obstacle. Because the city is a grid of tall concrete canyons, a 13 mph wind doesn't just blow past you; it accelerates.
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If you are heading out, the 42% humidity means the air is relatively dry. This is actually good news—damp cold sinks into your bones, but dry cold can be managed with the right layers.
- The Base Layer: Wear something moisture-wicking. Even if it’s 10°F, you’ll sweat if you’re power-walking to the subway.
- The Windbreaker: Your wool coat is cute, but if it doesn't have a tight weave, that west wind will blow right through the fabric.
- The Extremities: With a feels-like temp of 10°F, frostbite isn't an immediate threat in minutes, but your ears and fingers will start hurting fast.
Why the UV Index Matters (Even at 0)
You might see the UV Index of 0 and think you’re totally safe. While you won't get a sunburn today, the glare off the glass skyscrapers in Midtown can be blinding when it's this sunny. If you’re driving or even just walking toward the West Side this afternoon, bring sunglasses. The sun sits low in the sky in January, and it’ll hit you right in the eyes between the buildings.
By tomorrow, the conditions change again. We're expecting a daytime high of 34°F with a slightly higher UV index of 1, but the clouds will be much more dominant.
Actionable Next Steps for New Yorkers
If you're currently in the city or heading in today, here is your survival checklist:
- Check the wind direction: Since it's coming from the West, walking Westbound (toward the Hudson) will feel significantly colder than walking East.
- Hydrate: Cold, dry air saps moisture from your skin and lungs faster than you realize.
- Plan for Saturday morning: Since there’s a 10% chance of snow that could turn into a "coating," give yourself an extra 15 minutes for your commute tomorrow morning. Surfaces might be slicker than they look.
- Layer up now: The temperature is currently at its morning low of 23°F, and even as it "warms" to 34°F, the wind will keep the bite in the air all day.