So, you're looking at the skyline and wondering if you actually need that heavy parka tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026. Honestly, New York winters are famously fickle, but tomorrow is shaping up to be a classic "tale of two cities" situation.
Basically, the day starts out fine—kinda crisp, actually—but by the time the sun goes down, the vibe shifts completely. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the drill. You leave your apartment in the morning feeling like a genius for wearing a lighter coat, and by 8:00 PM, you're questioning every life choice you've ever made while shivering on a subway platform.
NYC Weather Tomorrow: The Nitty-Gritty Details
The high for tomorrow is hitting 36°F. That sounds manageable, right? It’s better than the single digits, but don't let that "high" fool you. The low is dipping down to 24°F.
During the daylight hours, we’re looking at partly sunny skies. It’ll be that bright, blinding winter sun that looks warm through a window but feels like a slap in the face the second you step onto 5th Avenue.
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The wind is the real kicker. We're expecting a 12 mph breeze coming in from the west. In the canyons of Midtown, that 12 mph feels more like a tunnel of ice. Humidity is sitting at a low 32%, so expect some dry skin and static shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
The Evening Pivot
Everything changes once the sun sets. While the day has a 0% chance of precipitation, the night-time forecast is calling for snow.
The chance of snow is currently pegged at 35%. It's not a blizzard—it's not even a "Winter Storm Warning" level event for the five boroughs—but it’s enough to make the sidewalk slick.
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If you're planning on being out late, keep these numbers in mind:
- High Temperature: 36°F
- Low Temperature: 24°F
- Day Condition: Partly sunny
- Night Condition: Snow (35% chance)
- Wind: 12 mph from the West
- UV Index: 2 (Keep the sunglasses, lose the sunscreen)
Why New Yorkers Always Overestimate the Warmth
It’s a psychological thing. When we see "partly sunny" and temperatures in the mid-30s after a cold snap, we think we’re in the clear. We aren't.
According to National Weather Service data, the transition from a dry day to a snowy night often catches commuters off guard. The humidity is low during the day, which makes the air feel thinner and colder than the thermometer suggests. By the time that 35% chance of snow kicks in at night, the ground will already be freezing, meaning whatever falls is going to stick to those metal subway grates and stairs.
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Honestly, the "real feel" is the only metric that matters in Manhattan. Between the wind coming off the Hudson and the lack of direct sunlight in the street-level shadows, 36°F feels a lot more like 28°F.
How to Handle Friday Without Losing Your Mind
If you have to be in the city tomorrow, layers are your only friend. Don't be the person in the massive floor-length puffer at 2:00 PM when it's sunny, but also don't be the person in a denim jacket when the snow starts at 10:00 PM.
- Morning (7 AM - 11 AM): It’ll be cold. Very cold. The low of 24°F will still be lingering.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): This is your window for errands. The sun will be out, and we'll hit that 36°F peak.
- Evening (5 PM - Midnight): The clouds roll in. The snow risk starts. The temperature drops fast.
You've probably noticed that upstate and Western New York are getting hammered with Winter Storm Warnings and lake-effect snow right now. Locations like Buffalo and the Finger Lakes are seeing double-digit snow totals and sub-zero wind chills. Luckily, NYC is avoiding the worst of that system, but we’re still getting the leftover "clipper" energy that’s bringing our night-time snow.
Your Actionable Friday Checklist
- Check the MTA: Snow, even a dusting, usually means the G train or the outdoor sections of the N/W will have "signal issues." Check the app before you leave.
- Footwear: Leave the suede at home. With a 35% chance of snow at night, salt is going to be everywhere. Salt ruins suede. Wear something with a rubber sole.
- Skincare: That 32% humidity is no joke. Use the heavy-duty moisturizer tonight.
- Commute: If you’re driving, watch the bridges. The west wind at 12 mph can make the Verrazzano or the RFK feel a bit squirrelly.
Tomorrow isn't a "stay home and cancel everything" kind of day. It's a "be prepared so you aren't miserable" kind of day. Enjoy the sun while it lasts, because the weekend is looking even colder.