So, it’s finally happening. If you looked out your window in Manhattan or Brooklyn earlier today, you probably saw those first few flakes lazily drifting down. Honestly, it’s about time. We’ve been waiting for a real, measurable "New York weather update" that involves more than just a gray sky and a cold breeze, and Sunday, January 18, 2026, is delivering exactly that.
But don’t get too excited about building a massive snowman just yet.
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Basically, we are looking at a fast-moving coastal storm that decided to take a northern detour last minute. Yesterday, the models were kinda hinting that this thing might stay offshore and leave us with just a dusting. Well, the track shifted. Now, the National Weather Service (NWS) has a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 8:00 PM tonight. We’re in the thick of it.
The hour-by-hour breakdown (What’s actually happening)
Right now, the temperature is hovering at 33°F. That’s that weird, slushy sweet spot where snow starts to feel like it can’t decide if it wants to be a solid or a liquid. The humidity is sitting at a heavy 90%, and the wind is practically non-existent at 0 mph from the west, making the whole city feel like it’s inside a giant, damp refrigerator.
Here is the deal with the timing:
- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: The snow is getting more moderate. If you’re near the coast, you might see some rain mixing in, which is going to make the sidewalks a mess.
- 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM: This is the "prime time." Colder air is filtering in, and the freezing line is moving offshore. This is when the snow becomes heavy. We could see snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour during the heaviest bursts.
- After 9:00 PM: The storm starts to wind down. Everything should taper off into snow showers by late tonight.
How much snow are we talking?
New York City is looking at a general 2 to 5 inches. It’s funny because this might be one of those rare cases where the Five Boroughs actually get more snow than some of the surrounding suburbs. Eastern Queens and southeast Brooklyn have a slight chance of hitting that 4-inch mark if the bands stay heavy.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) have already put a Travel Advisory in place. They aren't kidding. Even though 3 inches doesn't sound like a "Snowpocalypse," the temperatures are expected to drop to 26°F tonight. Anything that melted is going to turn into a sheet of ice.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has been busy. They’ve got about 700 million pounds of salt and are using a new tracking system called Bladerunner 2.0. Seriously, that’s the name. It sounds like a sci-fi movie, but it basically just means they’re tracking the salt spreaders in real-time to make sure your street doesn't become a skating rink.
The "Code Blue" and why it matters
When it gets this cold and snowy, the city activates a Code Blue. This is a big deal. It means outreach teams are out in all five boroughs making sure nobody is left out in the cold. If you see someone who looks like they’re struggling or needs shelter, call 311. During a Code Blue, no one is denied shelter. It’s one of those moments where the city actually feels like a community.
Travel and Monday’s commute
If you’re planning on traveling, just... maybe don't? Or at least wait until the plows have had a chance to do their thing. The heaviest accumulation is hitting during the afternoon, which is going to make the evening commute pretty treacherous.
Also, a quick heads-up for tomorrow: Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. There is NO trash or recycling collection. If you usually have Monday pickup, wait until Monday evening to put your stuff out for Tuesday collection. Between the holiday and the snow, things are going to be a bit delayed.
Actionable insights for the next 24 hours
- Clear the tailpipe: If you’re digging out your car later, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow before you start it up. Carbon monoxide is no joke.
- Shovel early, shovel often: Since the snow is "heavy" and wet, it’s easier to push an inch of it every few hours than to try and lift 4 inches of frozen slush tonight.
- Check your neighbors: Especially the older folks on your block. A quick knock to see if they need some salt on their stoop goes a long way.
- Watch for black ice: Tomorrow morning is going to be deceptive. It’ll look clear, but with that low of 26°F, the "melt" from today will be solid ice.
Stay warm, grab a bagel, and enjoy the view. It’s officially winter in New York.