If you’ve ever lived in Howard Beach or even just spent a Saturday grabbing a pizza at New Park, you know the air feels different the second you cross over the Belt Parkway. It’s the salt. Honestly, it’s also the wind. Being tucked right against Jamaica Bay gives this neighborhood a weather personality that’s way more dramatic than what you’ll find in Midtown or even over in Flushing.
Right now, as of late Saturday night on January 17, 2026, we’re sitting at a crisp 31°F. It’s mostly cloudy and the wind is coming out of the west at a gentle 4 mph. But don't let that quiet breeze fool you. If you’re looking at the forecast for Sunday, January 18, things are about to get a lot whiter.
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What's Happening with the Snow?
Sunday is looking like a total winter wonderland—or a commuting nightmare, depending on your vibe. We’re expecting a high of 34°F and a low of 24°F. The real story is the precipitation. During the day, there's a 46% chance of snow, which jumps up to a 65% chance of light snow by Sunday night.
Humidity is basically pegged at 95%, so it's going to be that heavy, wet New York snow that sticks to every power line and tree branch in Old Howard Beach.
Monday, January 19, brings a sharp pivot. The clouds clear out for a mostly sunny day, but the temperature is going to bottom out. We’re looking at a high of 32°F and a brutal low of 18°F. If you’re headed out, watch for ice—the runoff from Sunday's snow is going to freeze solid the second the sun goes down.
Why Howard Beach Weather is Weird
You’ve probably noticed that when the local news says "New York City" is getting two inches of rain, Howard Beach sometimes gets a splash more or a lot less. That’s the "Bay Effect."
Because Howard Beach is essentially a series of peninsulas and canals, the water temperature in Jamaica Bay acts like a giant thermostat. In the early winter, the water is still relatively "warm" compared to the arctic air masses sliding down from Canada. This can sometimes turn a predicted snowstorm into a slushy rain mess.
Conversely, in the summer, that same water keeps us a few degrees cooler than the concrete oven of Manhattan. But there's a trade-off. Humidity. ## The Reality of Living at Sea Level
Kinda have to talk about the elephant in the room: flooding. It’s not just about hurricanes like Sandy anymore. Most people don't realize that 98.3% of properties in Howard Beach are now classified as having extreme flood risk over the next 30 years.
We’re seeing more "sunny day flooding" now. That’s when a high tide and a certain wind direction push the bay up through the storm drains, even when there isn't a cloud in the sky. If the wind is coming from the south or southeast at high tide, parts of 155th Avenue or the streets near the Shellbank Basin start looking more like Venice than Queens.
A Quick Look at the Week Ahead
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Bright sun but freezing. High of 22°F, low of 16°F. The wind picks up to 16 mph from the west, so the wind chill is going to bite.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly cloudy and a bit "warmer" at 37°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Back to sunshine with a high of 39°F.
- The Deep Freeze: By next Sunday and Monday (Jan 25-26), we’re looking at highs of only 18°F. That’s serious "stay inside and order in" weather.
Practical Survival Tips for the Neighborhood
If you’re new to the area or just visiting, Howard Beach weather requires a specific strategy.
First, the wind. Because there aren't many high-rises to break the gust, the wind coming off the water hits different. A 30-degree day in Howard Beach feels ten degrees colder than a 30-degree day in a sheltered Brooklyn brownstone block. Invest in a windbreaker that actually stops the breeze.
Second, watch the tides. If there’s a heavy rain forecast—like the 45% chance of rain and snow we saw yesterday—and it aligns with high tide, don't park your car in the low-lying spots near the basins.
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Lastly, enjoy the "off-peak" beauty. There is something incredibly peaceful about a snow-covered Charles Park or watching the mist rise off the bay on a humid July morning. Just keep your weather app open and your boots by the door.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning travel or outdoor work for the start of the week, aim for Tuesday or Thursday. Sunday’s snow and Monday’s deep freeze are going to make outdoor tasks pretty miserable. Check your sump pump now before the Sunday snowmelt kicks in on Wednesday.