If you’re standing on a street corner in Bushwick right now or maybe grabbing a coffee in Brooklyn Heights, you probably already know that the weather for Brooklyn New York isn't just a forecast. It’s an personality trait. Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, we’re looking at a classic mid-winter mix that basically sums up the borough’s indecisive nature. It’s 42°F outside as I write this, but honestly, with that 10 mph wind coming off the water, it feels more like 37°F.
You’ve got clouds hanging low, and while it looks like it might dump snow, the actual chance of precipitation is hovering at a measly 10%. It's that grey, "will-it-or-won't-it" vibe that keeps everyone in Layers.
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What the Weather for Brooklyn New York Usually Looks Like Right Now
January is officially the coldest month of the year here. We aren't talking "Polar Vortex" every day, but the average highs sit around 40°F, and the lows drop to about 29°F. If you’re visiting or just moved here, you need to understand the "waterfront tax."
Because Brooklyn is literally surrounded by water—the East River, the Upper New York Bay, and the Atlantic—the wind chill is a real jerk. A 35-degree day in Midwood feels totally different than a 35-degree day on the pier in DUMBO. The wind picks up speed over the water and hits the buildings, creating these weird wind tunnels that can knock the breath out of you.
The Mid-Week Shift
Don't get too comfortable with today's 40s.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, we’re actually going to see things warm up a bit to a high of 49°F, but it comes with a catch: rain. Real, messy, cold rain that usually turns into a slushy nightmare by Thursday. By Thursday afternoon, the temperature is expected to crater back down to 33°F. This "weather whiplash" is a hallmark of New York winters. One day you're wearing a light parka; the next, you're digging out the heavy wool socks and wondering why you live in a place where the air hurts your face.
The Surprising Truth About Brooklyn's Microclimates
Most people look at the general NYC forecast and assume it applies to the whole city.
Wrong.
Brooklyn has its own microclimates. The "Urban Heat Island" effect is massive here. Areas with a ton of concrete and very few trees, like parts of East New York or industrial sections of Williamsburg, can be several degrees warmer than the leafier streets of Prospect Park South. During a summer heatwave, this is a health hazard. In the winter, it sometimes means the snow melts faster on your block than it does in the park.
Then there’s the snow.
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Historically, Brooklyn gets about 25 to 30 inches of snow a year, but that’s changing. We’re seeing more "mixed precipitation" events. That’s just a fancy way of saying "garbage weather" where it's too warm for pretty snow but too cold for a pleasant rain. You end up with a grey, icy slush that sits in the gutters for three days.
Real Talk on Gear
If you’re trying to survive the weather for Brooklyn New York, forget the fashion umbrella. The wind will turn it inside out in five seconds.
- Waterproof boots are non-negotiable. The "slush puddles" at the corner of every subway entrance are deceptively deep.
- Windbreakers/Shells. A heavy coat is good, but a coat that breaks the wind is better.
- The "Layer" Strategy. Subways are notoriously 80 degrees in the winter. If you wear a massive sweater under a massive coat, you will pass out on the Q train.
Climate Trends: It’s Getting Weird
We can’t talk about the weather without acknowledging that things feel... off.
Climate data from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation shows that New York winters have warmed significantly over the last few decades. We’re seeing fewer days where the temperature stays below freezing all day. While that might sound nice, it actually leads to more intense rainstorms and flooding in low-lying areas like Red Hook and Coney Island.
The infrastructure wasn't built for this much liquid rain in January. When you see a "Slight Chance of Rain" on the forecast, locals in southern Brooklyn are already thinking about their basements.
Actionable Steps for the Week Ahead
If you are navigating the borough over the next few days, here is the plan:
- Prep for Thursday's Drop: Wednesday is the "warm" day (49°F), so run your errands then. When Thursday hits and the mercury drops to 33°F with 20 mph gusts, you’ll want to be inside.
- Watch the Slush: That 35% chance of snow-rain mix on Wednesday night means Thursday morning commutes will be slippery. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes for the MTA.
- Check the Wind: Don't just look at the temperature. A 40-degree day with 5 mph wind is "walking weather." A 40-degree day with 20 mph wind is "stay home and order pizza" weather.
The weather for Brooklyn New York is a moving target. It’s damp, it’s breezy, and it’s rarely boring. Keep a hat in your bag even if the sun is out—you’ll thank me when you turn the corner and that Atlantic breeze hits you.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the National Weather Service's Upton office (OKX), which handles the specific marine and urban forecasts for the area. They are far more accurate for the borough than the generic national apps that often pull data from Central Park, which—as every Brooklynite knows—is basically a different planet.
Make sure your footwear is treated with a water-repellent spray before Wednesday night’s system moves in. Those salt stains on leather boots are a pain to get out if you let them sit.