You’ve seen the apps. You’ve probably already checked the little snowflake icon on your phone and started mentally canceling those brunch reservations at that spot in the West Village with the drafty windows. Honestly, the weather for sunday nyc is shaping up to be one of those classic "Gotham teases" where the sky looks like it's about to dump a foot of powder, but the reality is a bit more... well, complicated.
Sunday, January 18, 2026, isn't going to be a total washout, but it’s definitely not a day for light jackets.
We’re looking at a high of 37°F and a low of 25°F. That’s the kind of cold that bites through a fashionable wool coat if you haven't layered properly underneath. The humidity is sitting at 63%, which basically means the air is going to feel heavy and damp, making that 37 degrees feel more like a sharp 30. If you’re planning on being out and about, you’ll want to know that the wind is coming from the west at a steady 4 mph. It’s not a gale, but in the wind tunnels between skyscrapers, it’ll find every gap in your scarf.
The Snow Situation: Will It Actually Stick?
Here is the deal with the precipitation.
There is a 35% chance of snow showers during the day. Before you go buying out the milk and bread aisles at the local bodega, keep in mind that "showers" usually means intermittent, localized bursts rather than a steady, accumulating blanket. It’s the kind of weather where you look out the window in Midtown and see white flakes, but your friend in Park Slope swears it’s just cloudy.
By the time the sun goes down (which, let’s be real, feels like 2:00 PM but is actually later), that chance drops to 20%. The evening forecast calls for "partly cloudy" skies.
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Basically, if we see anything, it’ll be a dusting or a few slushy spots on the sidewalk. Don't expect to be sledding in Central Park quite yet. This is "aesthetic snow"—good for a quick Instagram story while you’re safely tucked inside a coffee shop, but mostly just a nuisance for anyone trying to navigate the MTA.
Why This Weekend Feels Different
We are currently stuck in a bit of a weather rut. The National Weather Service and the Weather Prediction Center have been tracking a deep trough over the eastern U.S., which is fancy meteorologist-speak for "the cold air isn't going anywhere." This is partly due to a weak La Niña that’s losing its grip but still tossing some arctic influence our way.
According to reports from the WPC, we’ve got this amplified pattern aloft that’s funneling below-average temperatures right into the Tri-State area.
It’s a "nickel-and-dime" pattern. We aren’t getting hit by a massive Nor'easter (at least not this Sunday), but these little systems keep rolling through, dropping a coating here and a flurry there. It adds up to a very grey, very cold vibe that defines January in New York.
Navigating the City on Sunday
If you are a local, you know the drill. If you’re visiting, listen up: the "real feel" is the only metric that matters.
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With a UV index of 1, don't expect the sun to provide any warmth, even if it peeks out. Those west winds at 4 mph are deceptive. They tend to pick up speed as they move across the Hudson, so if you're walking the High Line or hanging out by the water in Long Island City, you're going to feel it.
- Morning (8 AM - 11 AM): Frigid. Temperatures will be climbing from that overnight low of 25°F. This is when the snow showers are most likely to start appearing.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): Hitting that "peak" of 37°F. This is your window for errands, but keep an umbrella or a hood handy for those 35% probability flurries.
- Evening (5 PM onwards): Turning partly cloudy. The temp will start its slide back toward the mid-20s.
Honestly, the best way to handle this weather is to lean into the indoor side of NYC. Since it’s Sunday, January 18, you’ve actually got a few cool options that don't involve shivering on a street corner.
There are a ton of free museum events happening—places like the Pop Culture/Art Museum or unique art spots often have "pay-what-you-wish" or free entry on Sundays. It beats standing in a snow shower. Also, for the music nerds, there’s usually an afternoon jam session or acoustic evening happening somewhere in the city that provides a much-needed escape from the 25-degree lows.
What to Wear (The Expert Take)
Forget the "cute" winter look for a second.
You need a base layer. Uniqlo Heattech or whatever your preferred brand is—get it on. Because the chance of snow is 35%, your outer layer needs to be water-resistant. A wool coat is great until it gets damp from a snow shower and then stays wet all day.
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And for the love of everything, wear waterproof boots. New York slush is a legendary chemical cocktail that will ruin suede shoes in approximately four minutes.
Actionable Steps for Your Sunday
Don't let the forecast ruin your day; just adapt to it.
First, check the MTA app before you leave. While a 35% chance of snow shouldn't shut down the subways, "snow showers" often lead to "signal problems" and "track maintenance" delays because, well, it's New York.
Second, if you were planning on an outdoor walk, pivot to the museums or an afternoon tea service. The Baccarat Hotel or the spots near Bryant Park are great for staying cozy.
Lastly, keep an eye on the wind direction. Since it's coming from the west, the West Side Highway and Riverside Park are going to be significantly colder than the more sheltered streets of the East Village or Gramercy.
Stay warm, stay dry, and don't forget that even with a bit of snow, a Sunday in New York is still better than a Monday anywhere else.