Honestly, if you're standing on the corner of Vanderbilt and Atlantic right now, you already know the vibe. It’s gray. It’s damp. And that biting wind coming off the East River is doing no one any favors. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, Brooklyn is caught in that classic mid-winter squeeze where the temperature refuses to budge from a stubborn 33°F.
Most people check their phone, see "33 degrees," and think it’s just a standard chilly day. It’s not. With the humidity sitting at a staggering 98% and a north wind at 6 mph, the feels-like temperature is actually 27°F. That’s the difference between a brisk walk and your bones actually aching by the time you reach the subway.
The 11238 Microclimate: More Than Just Numbers
Living in the 11238 zip code—covering Prospect Heights and parts of Clinton Hill—means dealing with a very specific kind of weather geometry. Because we’re tucked right next to the massive green lung of Prospect Park, the air here often holds onto moisture longer than the concrete canyons of Midtown.
Right now, we are looking at an 85% chance of snow during the day. It’s that heavy, wet slush that ruins suede boots in under five minutes. By tonight, that chance actually ticks up to 87%, though it'll likely transition into a lighter, more persistent snow as the temperature drops to a low of 25°F.
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Quick Fact: While the daily high is 33°F, the "daytime" condition is officially categorized as snow. Don't let the cloudy sky fool you; the precipitation is coming.
Why January in Brooklyn feels "different"
There’s a common misconception that January is just a steady block of ice. In reality, the weather brooklyn ny 11238 experiences this time of year is a game of inches. Historically, January is the windiest month for us, averaging about 13 mph, though today we’re getting a bit of a break with those 6-7 mph breezes.
If you look at the long-term averages for the 11238 area:
- The typical January high is 38°F.
- The average low is 27°F.
- We usually see about 7 days of measurable precipitation throughout the month.
Today is actually colder than the historical average. We’re sitting at a high of 33°F, which is five degrees below the norm. That might not sound like much, but in a city built on steam heat and drafty brownstones, those five degrees are everything.
Survival Strategy for the Next 24 Hours
The north wind is the real protagonist here. It’s pulling cold air straight down through the avenues. If you’re heading out to the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket or just grabbing a coffee on Bergen Street, you’ve gotta layer for the moisture, not just the cold.
The UV index is a flat 0, so don't worry about the sun. You won't see it. The sky is a uniform sheet of gray that makes the limestone of the Brooklyn Public Library look even more imposing than usual.
Basically, the "feels like" 27°F is the number you should be dressing for. The 98% humidity means the air is saturated. It's that "wet cold" that finds the gaps in your scarf.
What to expect tonight and tomorrow
As we move into the evening, the wind will shift slightly but maintain its northern origin, picking up to about 7 mph. The transition from the daytime high of 33°F to the overnight low of 25°F is when the real icing happens.
- Watch the sidewalks: That 98% humidity plus a 25°F low is a recipe for black ice on those slate sidewalks.
- Snow intensity: Expect the most consistent accumulation between now and midnight.
- Visibility: With the heavy cloud cover and snow, visibility is going to be poor for anyone driving down Flatbush Avenue.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're in the 11238 area today, stop treating the 33°F forecast like a suggestion.
Waterproof your gear. Today isn't a "fashion coat" day. Use a shell that can handle the 85% precipitation chance. Check your radiators. With the low hitting 25°F tonight, Brooklyn’s older building pipes are going to be working overtime; make sure your heat is actually kicking in before the sun goes down at 4:53 PM. Finally, clear your stoop early. Wet snow at 33°F becomes a solid block of ice once that 25°F low hits overnight. Shoveling the slush now is way easier than hacking at ice tomorrow morning.