Snow in New York is usually a mess of gray slush and angry taxi drivers. But today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, Times Square looks like a weird, flickering snow globe. If you’re standing at the corner of 45th and Broadway right now, you’ve probably noticed the vibe is... different.
The city is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory. It’s not a blizzard. Honestly, it’s barely a "storm." But it’s the first real accumulating snow of 2026, and in a place as chaotic as the Crossroads of the World, even two inches of powder changes the physics of the sidewalk. Mayor Zohran Mamdani already put the word out: stay off the roads if you can. Most people aren't listening. They never do.
The Slush Factor and Your Sunday Commute
Look, the National Weather Service (NWS) is calling for about 1 to 3 inches total. That sounds like nothing to a Buffalonian, but in Midtown, it’s a logistical nightmare. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has been out since the early hours, but because temperatures are hovering right around freezing, the ground is basically a giant slip-and-slide.
The heaviest stuff is hitting in two waves. We had the morning surge from 8 a.m. to noon, and there’s another one expected between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. tonight. If you’re planning on catching a matinee or grabbing dinner near the red steps, you’re going to get wet.
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What’s actually happening on the ground:
- Code Blue is active. This is the serious part. When it gets this cold, the city's outreach teams canvass every borough to get vulnerable people into shelters. If you see someone who looks like they’re struggling, call 311.
- The "Lull" is real. Right now, we're in a bit of a midday break. The snow has tapered off in some spots, but don’t let it fool you. The humidity is high, and the wind tunneling between the skyscrapers makes it feel way colder than the thermometer says.
- Transit is... okay? The MTA is reporting mostly "on time" service for the 1, 2, 3, N, R, Q, and W lines, but the stairs into the stations are death traps. Watch your step.
Broadway Isn't Quitting
Despite the flakes, the shows are going on. Times Square today is still buzzing with theater-goers. I walked past the Minskoff earlier; The Lion King crowds were still thick, just with more umbrellas. Over at the Eugene O’Neill, The Book of Mormon is still packing them in.
There’s a weird irony to seeing a "Winter Weather Advisory" sign right next to a massive digital billboard for a tropical cruise. That’s New York for you.
One thing people keep asking about is the 2026 numerals. If you remember, those huge 7-foot-tall numbers were sitting in Duffy Square just a few weeks ago for the New Year's countdown. Now, they're gone, replaced by the usual sea of Elmos and tourists trying to take selfies without losing a glove.
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The Joni Project and Tonight's Vibe
If you want to escape the dampness, there’s actually some cool stuff happening indoors tonight. The Iridium is hosting "The Joni Project" at 8:30 p.m. It’s a tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring Katie Pearlman. Honestly, sitting in a basement jazz club with a drink while it snows outside is probably the smartest way to spend this specific Sunday.
Sony Hall is also prepping for the Harlem Gospel Choir tomorrow, but tonight it’s relatively quiet. It’s that rare moment where the "hustle" of Times Square feels a bit muffled by the weather.
Survival Tips for the Next Few Hours
If you’re stuck in the middle of it, here’s the reality. The snow is going to turn into "wintry mix" (which is just a fancy word for ice-rain) by midnight.
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- Check the DSNY Plow Tracker. It sounds nerdy, but if you’re trying to figure out if your Uber can actually make it to your hotel, it’s a lifesaver.
- Avoid the subway grates. Not just because they’re slippery, but because the salt and slush mixture creates this disgusting "street juice" that will ruin your shoes instantly.
- The "Lull" ends at 4 p.m. If you have errands to run, do them now. The second wave of accumulation starts right as the sun goes down, and that’s when the visibility in the Square is going to drop.
Basically, it’s a standard New York winter Sunday, just with a little extra flair. The city is ready, the plows are moving, and the neon lights are still bright enough to see from space—even through the clouds.
Keep an eye on the official NYC Emergency Management alerts. They’ve been pinging phones all day for a reason. Stay warm, keep your head up, and try not to get splashed by a bus.
Next Steps for You:
If you're heading out, check the real-time MTA "Service Status" map before you leave your apartment or hotel. Temperatures are expected to drop further after sunset, which means anything that melted this afternoon will be a sheet of ice by 9:00 p.m. Plan your exit strategy from Midtown accordingly.