Honestly, if you stepped outside in Manhattan this morning, you probably felt that familiar, sharp New York winter bite. It’s one of those days where the sky looks deceptively bright, but the air has a different plan for your face.
The actual today's temperature in New York is hovering right around 29°F as we settle into the evening hours. While that number on your phone might not look terrifying, the "feels like" situation is a completely different story. Thanks to a steady 13 mph wind coming straight out of the west, it actually feels like 18°F out there.
That’s the thing about this city. The skyscrapers turn the streets into wind tunnels, so a 29-degree night can easily turn into a test of human endurance if you aren't wearing the right gear.
Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
Earlier today, we saw a high of 41°F. It was a pretty standard, sunny January afternoon. If you were lucky enough to be walking on the sunny side of the street around 2:00 PM, it actually felt halfway decent.
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But as the sun dipped, so did the mercury. We are looking at a low of 20°F tonight.
- Current Temperature: 29°F
- RealFeel / Feels Like: 18°F
- Wind Speed: 13 mph (West)
- Humidity: 44%
- Precipitation: 0% chance (Clear skies)
The air is relatively dry right now with humidity at 44%. This means you won’t get that damp, bone-chilling cold that usually comes right before a snowstorm, but your skin is definitely going to feel it.
Why the Forecast Can Be Deceptive
Most people see "sunny" and "41 degrees" and think they can get away with a light wool coat. In New York, that's a rookie mistake. The transition from the afternoon high to the overnight low happens fast here.
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By the time the theater crowds are pouring out of Broadway shows tonight, that 20-degree low is going to be in full effect. The UV index is currently at 0, which is no surprise for a January night, and the sky is expected to stay clear.
Comparing Today to New York's Average January
Is this normal? Kinda.
Historically, the average high for New York City in mid-January is about 39°F, with lows around 26°F. Today’s high of 41°F actually put us slightly above the historical average, though the projected low of 20°F is a bit chillier than what we usually see on the books.
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We aren't seeing any of the snow that hit the city back in late December. There’s a 0% chance of precipitation for the rest of tonight. Basically, it’s just a cold, dry, clear winter night in the Northeast.
Survival Tips for the 18-Degree Chill
If you're heading out to dinner or catching a late train, you’ve basically got to dress for the "feels like" temp, not the actual 29 degrees.
- Cover the extremities. At 18°F wind chill, heat escapes your head and hands incredibly fast. Gloves are mandatory, not optional.
- Watch the wind tunnels. If you're walking East-West (on the streets), you're walking directly into or away from that 13 mph western wind. Try to stick to the North-South avenues where the buildings provide a bit more of a buffer.
- Hydrate your skin. Dry air and wind are a brutal combo for your face.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the clear skies are expected to continue, but don't expect a heatwave anytime soon. January is famously the coldest month in the city for a reason.
Stay warm, keep your coat zipped, and enjoy the clear skyline tonight—it’s actually a beautiful night for a view if you can stand the breeze.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your window seals tonight; with a low of 20°F and 13 mph winds, any gaps will create a noticeable draft. If you're commuting tomorrow morning, prepare for temperatures to still be in the low 20s during the 8:00 AM rush.