Honestly, if you stepped outside in Manhattan this morning, you probably regretted not grabbing that extra scarf. It’s one of those classic "bright but biting" winter days where the sun is doing its absolute best, but the air just won't cooperate.
As of this afternoon, the current temperature in New York City is 33°F.
That number sounds manageable on paper, right? But the reality is a bit more complicated. We’ve got a steady west wind blowing at about 8 mph, which is dragging the "feels like" temperature down to a much more aggressive 27°F. If you’re caught in a wind tunnel between skyscrapers, it feels even sharper.
Breaking Down Today’s Temperature in New York City
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026, and we are right in the thick of the January freeze. While 33°F is our high for the day, the overnight hours are going to be a different story entirely. We’re looking at a low of 21°F tonight.
Basically, the "warmth" we have right now is the peak.
🔗 Read more: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
The sky is mostly cloudy, and while we had some sunshine earlier, the cover is thickening up. Humidity is sitting at a crisp 33%, which is why the air feels so dry. Your skin probably noticed it before you did.
Why today feels colder than the local news says
The mercury tells one story, but your nerve endings tell another. Meteorologists call it the "apparent temperature." Today, that gap is driven by that 8 mph breeze. It's not a gale, but it's enough to strip the heat right off your skin.
You’ve probably seen people walking through Central Park in heavy parkas, and honestly, they have the right idea.
- Current Temp: 33°F
- RealFeel/Feels Like: 27°F
- Humidity: 33%
- Wind: 8 mph from the West
Is it going to snow later?
There is a tiny bit of drama in the forecast. While the chance of precipitation during the day is only about 8%, that number jumps as we head into the night.
💡 You might also like: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
We’re tracking a 35% chance of snow showers late tonight. It’s not a blizzard—don't go panic-buying bread and milk just yet—but it’s enough to make the sidewalks slick by the time people are heading home from bars or late shifts.
How today compares to the usual NYC January
New York in January is usually a gamble. Historically, the average high for January 16th in Central Park is around 39°F, and the average low is 28°F.
We are running a few degrees colder than the historical norm today.
It’s not record-breaking, though. We’ve seen Januarys where the city turns into a literal ice cube, and we've seen weird 55-degree spikes where everyone forgets it's winter for twelve hours. Today is just... solid, standard winter.
📖 Related: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
Layering for 33°F
If you're heading out, don't trust the sun. It's a trap.
- The Base: Something moisture-wicking if you're walking a lot.
- The Mid: A fleece or a light wool sweater.
- The Shell: A wind-resistant coat is non-negotiable because of that western breeze.
- The Accessories: Cover your ears. The wind chill makes a huge difference there.
What to expect for the rest of the evening
The UV index is currently 0, so no need for sunscreen if you're hitting the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. By sunset—which is around 4:54 PM—the temperature will start its slide toward that 21°F low.
If you have dinner plans in the West Village or a show in Midtown, expect the air to feel significantly heavier and colder once the sun drops. The wind might pick up slightly as that 35% chance of snow starts to move closer to the region.
Stay warm out there. The city is beautiful when it’s crisp like this, but 27 degrees (feels like) is no joke when you're standing on a subway platform.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the subway apps: Cold snaps and light snow can sometimes cause minor "signal problems" or delays on outdoor tracks.
- Moisturize: With 33% humidity, the "winter itch" is real.
- Prep your footwear: If you're staying out late, wear something with traction in case those overnight snow showers leave a dusting on the stairs.