Honestly, New Windsor isn't exactly where you'd go if you're looking for predictable, boring sunshine. If you live here, you've probably noticed that the weather for New Windsor basically has a mind of its own, especially once January starts hitting its stride. Right now, on this Friday, January 16, 2026, it's a crisp 28°F outside. But don't let that number fool you. With a west wind kicking at 11 mph, it actually feels like 18°F.
That "feels like" gap is the real story of winter in the Hudson Valley. You step out thinking a light coat is fine, and then that wind hits you coming off the water or over the hills, and suddenly you’re rethinking every life choice that led you away from a fireplace.
The Cold Hard Truth About January
January is officially the coldest month of the year around here. While the historical high for today is usually around 36°F, we’re struggling to even hit 31°F this afternoon. It’s partly sunny for now, which is a nice break from the grey gloom, but things are shifting. By tonight, it’s going to get cloudy, and the temperature is plummeting to a low of 17°F.
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People always talk about the snow, but in New Windsor, it’s the humidity-cold combo that really gets you. Humidity is sitting at 42% today, which is actually kind of dry for us. Usually, January averages closer to 69% humidity. When it's humid and freezing, the air feels "heavy" and bites right through denim.
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is when things get interesting. We’re looking at a 65% chance of snow during the day. The high will crawl up to 36°F, which is basically right on the seasonal average, but it’s going to be a messy kind of day. If you’ve got plans at the Storm King Art Center or just need to run to the grocery store, you’ll want to do it early.
Why Our Winters Feel Different
New Windsor sits in this weird geographical pocket. We get the moisture from the Atlantic, but we’re far enough inland that we don't get the "tempering" effect of the ocean that New York City gets. Essentially, we get the worst of both worlds: the freezing temps of the north and the dampness of the coast.
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Historically, January is our driest month for rain—averaging only about 1.7 inches—but it makes up for it in the white stuff. We usually see about 9.9 inches of total snowfall throughout this month. This year, 2026, is staying true to that pattern. We’ve got snow showers or flurries predicted for nearly every other day for the next week.
What to Expect This Week
Sunday, January 18, brings more snow showers with a 20% chance and a high of 35°F. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s that annoying, persistent dusting that makes the roads slick. By Tuesday, January 20, the bottom really drops out. We are looking at a high of only 18°F and a low of 12°F. That is properly freezing.
- Friday (Today): Partly sunny, high of 31°F, low of 17°F.
- Saturday: Snow likely (65% chance), high of 36°F.
- Sunday: Snow showers, high of 35°F, low of 21°F.
- Monday: Clearer but cold, high of 31°F, low of 13°F.
The wind is also a major factor. While today’s west wind is moderate, we’re expecting gusts up to 16 mph later today. It’s the kind of wind that rattles the window frames in the older houses near the river.
Living With the Swings
You sorta just get used to the "New Windsor Layering System." You need a base layer for the 12°F mornings, but by the time Saturday hits with its 36°F and snow, you’ll be sweating if you’re wearing heavy wool while shoveling.
Honestly, the UV index is a joke right now—it’s sitting at 1 or 2—so don’t worry about a sunburn. Do worry about the ice. With temperatures hovering right around the freezing mark during the day and diving into the teens at night, the "melt-refreeze" cycle is brutal on the local roads.
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Actionable Winter Prep
If you’re heading out, keep an extra set of gloves in the car. Seriously. The 18°F wind chill today is enough to numb fingers in minutes if you’re scraping a windshield. Also, check your tire pressure; these 20-degree temperature swings between day and night will make your "low pressure" light pop up before you even leave the driveway.
Stay inside on Tuesday if you can. That 12°F low isn't just cold; it’s the kind of weather that freezes pipes if you aren't careful. Keep the cabinet doors under your sinks open to let the house heat reach the plumbing.
Watch the Saturday snow closely. A 65% chance usually means we're getting at least an inch or two of accumulation. It's the perfect time to make sure the snowblower actually has gas in it.
Check your heating oil or propane levels now. With a string of days where the high doesn't break 31°F, your furnace is going to be working overtime. Most local delivery services get backed up as soon as the first real snow hits on Saturday, so calling today is the smart move.