So, you’re looking at the forecast for Thursday, January 22, 2026, and wondering if you should cancel those dinner plans or finally break out the heavy-duty boots. Honestly, January in New York is always a bit of a gamble. One minute you're enjoying a weirdly mild afternoon, and the next, you’re dodging slush puddles that look like they belong in a horror movie.
Basically, this Thursday is shaping up to be one of those classic "winter in the city" days. Not quite a blizzard, but definitely not a walk in the park either.
The Lowdown on NYC Weather on Thursday
According to the latest data from Google Weather, we're looking at a high of 36°F and a low of 21°F. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that 36 degrees feels a lot colder when you're standing on a subway platform waiting for a train that's "delayed due to signal problems."
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The real story, though, is the snow showers. We’re seeing a 35% chance of snow during the day and a 25% chance at night. It’s not exactly "Snowpocalypse 2026," but it’s enough to make the streets kinda messy.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
- Temperature: 36°F high, 21°F low.
- Conditions: Snow showers during the day; partly cloudy at night.
- Wind: 9 mph coming from the northeast.
- Humidity: Sitting around 49%.
- UV Index: A solid 1 (so, yeah, you can leave the sunscreen at home).
The wind is actually a big factor here. A 9 mph breeze from the northeast doesn't sound like much, but in the wind tunnels of Midtown, it’s going to bite. You’ll definitely want a scarf.
Why This Forecast Matters
Most people see "35% chance of snow" and think they can ignore it. Big mistake. In NYC, even a dusting of snow combined with near-freezing temperatures turns the sidewalks into a skating rink.
The National Weather Service often points out that these "weak" systems can be the most annoying for commuters. Unlike a major storm where everyone stays home, these light snow showers just make everything slightly more difficult. Traffic slows down, the "Step Carefully" signs come out in every lobby, and your 20-minute commute suddenly takes 45.
La Niña and the Bigger Picture
It’s worth noting that we’re currently in a weak La Niña cycle. Experts from the National Weather Service have been tracking this for months. Usually, La Niña means the Northern US gets hit with more "wetter and cooler" conditions.
For us in New York, that translates to these frequent, nagging snow showers rather than one massive dump of snow. It’s the "death by a thousand cuts" version of winter.
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Survival Tips for Thursday
If you have to be out and about, don't be a hero.
- Layer up. That 36-degree high is only going to happen for about two hours in the afternoon. Most of the day will be hovering closer to freezing.
- Waterproof your life. Those snow showers might turn to a cold drizzle or sleet if the temperature wobbles even a degree or two.
- Check the apps. NYC weather on Thursday is localized. It might be snowing in Washington Heights while it’s just cloudy in Financial District.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is expect delays. Whether you're taking the G train or an Uber, give yourself an extra 15 minutes.
Actionable Next Steps
Instead of just checking the temperature once and forgetting about it, here is what you should actually do:
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- Check the radar at 8:00 AM: The timing of those snow showers is everything. If they hit during the morning rush, the bridges and tunnels will be a nightmare.
- Wear shoes with grip: Forget the fashion statement for one day. Salted sidewalks are slippery, and unsalted ones are worse.
- Plan for a cold evening: Once the sun goes down and that temperature drops to 21°F, the "damp" cold of New York really sets in. If you're heading out after 6:00 PM, you'll need the heavy coat.
Stay warm out there, and maybe grab an extra coffee. You're gonna need it to deal with the slush.