Honestly, if you’re living in Brooklyn right now, you’ve probably already looked at the gray sky and wondered if it’s finally going to dump enough snow to justify those expensive boots you bought three years ago. It’s January 2026, and the honeymoon phase of the New Year is officially over. We’re deep in the "it’s just cold for no reason" season. But this week is different. It’s not just cold; it’s actually busy.
Most people think NYC winters are just a steady slog of 30-degree days, but the weather in Brooklyn NY this week is proving to be a bit of a chaotic masterpiece. We’ve got a Winter Weather Advisory, a sudden deep freeze, and a bounce back that’ll make you question your choice of jacket every single morning.
The Sunday Snow: It’s Not Just a Flurry
If you were planning to sleep in this Sunday, January 18, the National Weather Service and NYC Emergency Management have other plans for you. They’ve slapped a Winter Weather Advisory on the city from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This isn't one of those "maybe it'll rain" situations. We’re looking at a legitimate, fast-moving system.
The forecast is calling for about 1 to 3 inches of snow across the city, but southeastern Brooklyn might see closer to 4 inches if the coastal storm tracks just right. Mayor Zohran Mamdani already has the sanitation crews out. It’s the first real accumulating snow of the year, which means the G train will probably have "issues" and your favorite coffee shop will be packed with people "working from home" while staring at the drifts.
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- Snow Timing: Starts around 5 a.m.
- The Peak: 8 a.m. to noon and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Temperatures: Hovering around 34°F.
Basically, it’s going to be that wet, heavy slush that ruins suede. Wear the rubber soles. Honestly, by 9 p.m., it’ll be winding down, leaving us with a messy Monday morning.
MLK Day and the Tuesday Deep Freeze
Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If you have the day off, enjoy the sun, because it’s going to be bright but deceptively cold. Highs will struggle to hit 31°F. The real kicker? The wind. We’re talking southwest gusts up to 30 mph. It’s that "slap you in the face" kind of wind that makes Brooklyn Bridge Park feel like the Arctic Circle.
Then comes Tuesday. Tuesday, January 20, is going to be the coldest day of the week, hands down. We’re looking at a high of only 22°F and a low of 15°F. It’s "Code Blue" territory. When it gets this cold, the city's outreach teams go into overdrive to get the vulnerable into shelters. If you see someone who looks like they’re struggling, call 311. It’s not just a polite suggestion in this weather; it’s a necessity.
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The Mid-Week Seesaw
By Wednesday, the weather in Brooklyn NY this week starts its weird upward climb. We jump back to 36°F. It’s mostly cloudy, kinda gloomy, but at least your eyelashes won't freeze together the second you step out of the Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center station.
Thursday, January 22, is actually the "warm" spot of the week. We might hit 39°F. It sounds pathetic, but after a 22-degree Tuesday, 39 feels like a tropical vacation. The sun should be out, but don't get too comfortable. The humidity will be around 60%, making it feel damp rather than crisp.
Why Brooklyn Weather Feels Different
There’s a reason why a 30-degree day in Midwood feels different than a 30-degree day in Williamsburg. It’s the wind off the East River. It’s the "canyon effect" of the tall buildings in Downtown Brooklyn that turn a breeze into a gale.
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Historical data for January shows we’re actually running about 2 degrees below the average of 35°F this month. We’re also in a bit of a precipitation deficit—nearly 10 inches behind for the year—so this Sunday’s snow is actually helping the local ecosystem, even if it’s hurting your commute.
What You Should Actually Do
- Sunday (Jan 18): Stay off the BQE if you can. The NYCEM travel advisory is real. 1-3 inches of snow on warm pavement creates a "black ice" situation as the sun goes down and temps drop.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): This is your "stay inside and order Thai food" day. The wind chill will make it feel like the single digits.
- Wednesday/Thursday: Use this window to clear any lingering ice from your sidewalk. It’s a legal requirement in NYC, and if that slush freezes into a block on Friday, you'll be chipping at it for hours.
- Check the Layers: With humidity bouncing from 94% on Sunday to 42% on Friday, the "feel-like" temperature is all over the place.
Looking toward next weekend, the cycle looks like it might repeat. We’re seeing early signs of more snow late Saturday, January 24, with temperatures dropping back into the 18°F range.
Basically, the weather in Brooklyn NY this week is a reminder that January in New York isn't a season—it’s an endurance sport. Keep your shovel handy, keep your 311 app updated, and maybe keep an extra pair of dry socks in your bag. You’re going to need them.
To stay ahead of the slush, make sure you've cleared your drains and salt your stoop before the Sunday freeze sets in at 8 p.m. Check the MTA's winter service guide for North Brooklyn's specific route changes during the advisory. For those walking pets, remember that the salt on the sidewalks can be brutal on paws when the temp hits that Tuesday low of 15°F—consider booties or paw wax.