Honestly, looking out the window in New York today, it’s a bit of a psychological game. You see the sun. You think "maybe it's not that bad." Then you step outside and the wind hits you like a personal insult.
Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026. If you're checking today's weather forecast for New York, the headline isn't a massive blizzard or a tropical heatwave. It’s the "blustery" factor. We're looking at a high of 43°F, which sounds reasonable for mid-January, right? But with a steady west wind at 11 mph and gusts that have been clocking in significantly higher earlier today, it feels more like 21°F right now.
That's the New York tax.
The temperature gap between the "actual" and the "feels like" is exactly why everyone on the L train looks slightly annoyed.
The Real Breakdown of the Day
By the time most people are reading this, we've already transitioned into the nighttime phase. The sky is clear, which is great for visibility, but terrible for keeping any heat trapped near the ground.
Here is the data-backed reality for the rest of your night:
- Current Temp: Hovering right around 30°F.
- Wind Chill: It's feeling like 21°F. Don't let the "clear" condition fool you into leaving your scarf at home.
- Wind Speed: Holding steady at 11 mph from the west.
- Precipitation: Basically zero. There was a 30% chance of snow earlier in the day, but that’s dried up. The humidity is sitting low at 36%, so it's that crisp, dry cold that chaps your lips.
Why the Forecast Feels Different This Year
We are currently in a transition period. Most meteorologists, including the folks at the National Weather Service, have been tracking a weak La Niña. What that means for us in NYC is a lot of "will it or won't it" snow scenarios. Earlier today, there was a legitimate concern about a wintry mix, but the "dry slot"—basically a wedge of dry air—kept the heavy stuff further north and west towards places like Buffalo and the Finger Lakes.
They got hit. We just got cold.
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If you’re planning your Friday, the low tonight is going to bottom out at 24°F. That’s cold enough to freeze any lingering puddles from earlier in the week, so watch your step on the subway grates tomorrow morning.
Misconceptions About NYC Winters
Most people think New York is either a frozen tundra or a slushy mess. Today is neither. It’s a "dry cold" day. The UV index hit a 2 earlier, which is practically non-existent, but the sun was out.
The biggest mistake you can make with today's weather forecast for New York is trusting the thermometer over the wind vane. A 43°F day with no wind is a light jacket day. A 43°F day with a 12 mph west wind is a "where is my heavy wool coat" day.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there's been some chatter about flurries on Saturday. Time Out New York and local meteorologists like John Elliott are calling it "snow globe vibes" rather than a citywide shutdown. Essentially, don't buy out the milk and bread at Trader Joe's just yet.
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What You Should Actually Do
Since the temperature is dropping toward that 24°F low tonight, here's the move:
- Check your windows. If you feel a draft, that 11 mph wind is going to make your heating bill spike tonight.
- Hydrate. Low humidity (36%) combined with indoor heating is a recipe for a headache.
- Plan for a breezy Friday. Tomorrow looks sunny with a high of 39°F, but that wind isn't going anywhere. It’s going to stay blustery.
The city isn't shutting down, and you don't need snow boots. You just need to keep your ears covered and your coat zipped.
Stay warm, New York.
Actionable Insight: If you have plants on a fire escape, bring them in tonight. With the low hitting 24°F and the wind chill staying in the teens, anything not rated for a hard freeze will be toast by sunrise.