So, you’re looking at the Staten Island weather forecast and wondering why it feels like a different planet compared to Manhattan. Honestly, it kind of is. While the rest of the city is dealing with the urban heat island effect—all that concrete soaking up the sun—Staten Island is out here doing its own thing.
Right now, it’s cold. Like, "don't leave your gloves in the car" cold. As of late Thursday night, January 15, 2026, the temperature has dipped to 22°F. But that’s not the real story. The real story is the 9°F "feels like" temperature. That’s thanks to a biting 15 mph wind coming straight out of the west.
What's happening today?
If you're waking up on Friday, January 16, expect a bright start. It’s going to be sunny during the day with a high of 34°F. Not exactly a beach day at South Beach, but the sky will be clear for a bit. Don't let the sun fool you, though. By the time the sun goes down, the clouds are moving back in, and we’re looking at a low of 21°F.
There’s a small 5% chance of a stray flake during the day, but that jumps to 35% overnight. Basically, keep the scraper handy for tomorrow morning.
The weekend mess: Rain, snow, and everything in between
Saturday is where things get annoying. If you had plans to walk the Greenbelt or even just run errands without a heavy parka, you might want to rethink that.
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The Staten Island weather forecast for Saturday, January 17, shows a high of 39°F and a low of 31°F. That’s that classic "too warm for a snow day, too cold to be comfortable" range. We’re expecting a mix of rain and snow throughout the day. The precipitation chance is a solid 70%, mostly focused on the morning and afternoon.
Sunday isn't much better, though the "mix" turns back into light snow. The high stays around 34°F. It’s the kind of weather that makes the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge feel like a wind tunnel.
Why our weather is weird
People always ask why Staten Island gets hit harder with snow or wind than, say, Queens. It’s the elevation. We have the highest point on the Atlantic seaboard south of Maine—Todt Hill. At nearly 400 feet, that elevation change is enough to turn rain into sleet or snow while the rest of the city just gets a cold drizzle.
Also, we’re surrounded by water. The Arthur Kill, the Kill Van Kull, the Lower New York Bay—they all play a role. In the winter, the water is actually warmer than the air, which can sometimes "eat" the snow before it hits the ground. But when a Nor'easter rolls in? Forget about it. The moisture from the Atlantic hits that cool air, and we get dumped on.
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Looking ahead: The deep freeze is coming
If you think 22°F is bad, just wait until next Tuesday. Monday, January 19, starts off sunny but the temperature is going to crash. We’re looking at a low of 14°F.
Then comes Tuesday, January 20. This is looking like the coldest day of the stretch. The high is only expected to reach 20°F, and the low will bottom out at 13°F. With a 15 mph wind, that "feels like" number is probably going to be in the negatives.
Quick glance at the numbers
To make sense of the next few days, here’s the breakdown of what to expect:
Friday: Sunny then cloudy late. High 34°F / Low 21°F.
Saturday: Rain and snow mix. High 39°F / Low 31°F. (70% chance)
Sunday: Light snow. High 34°F / Low 22°F.
Monday: Sunny and windy. High 34°F / Low 14°F.
Tuesday: Brutally cold. High 20°F / Low 13°F.
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How to actually prepare
Look, we’ve all been through this. But every year, someone gets stuck on the SIE because they didn't check their tires or they thought their light jacket would be enough.
- Check the wind. On Staten Island, the temp is only half the battle. If the wind is over 15 mph, subtract 10 degrees from whatever the app says.
- Watch the bridge status. The Verrazzano often has wind restrictions during these systems. If you're commuting, check the MTA site before you leave the house.
- Salt early. Since we’re seeing a rain-to-snow transition on Saturday, the ground is going to be wet before it freezes. That’s a recipe for black ice on your driveway.
The Staten Island weather forecast isn't just about the numbers; it's about the timing. If that Saturday snow hits during the morning rush, the island is going to be a parking lot. Stay safe out there and maybe just order some pizza and stay inside.
If you're heading out this weekend, make sure your car's washer fluid is rated for sub-freezing temps. That salt spray on the highway will blind you in seconds if your wipers just smear it around. Also, keep an eye on your pipes starting Monday night—13°F is the "danger zone" for older homes in neighborhoods like St. George or Tottenville.