It is cold. Really cold. If you’re waking up in Manhattan or any of the boroughs this Friday, January 16, 2026, the number on your phone probably says something in the low 20s, but your face is going to tell a completely different story the second you hit the sidewalk.
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 22°F.
But honestly? That number is a bit of a lie. Because of a biting 14 mph wind coming straight out of the west, the feels-like temperature is actually 9°F. That is the difference between "I need a scarf" and "I can't feel my ears."
The Reality of New York Weather Today
Most people just glance at the high for the day and call it a wrap. Today, New York is looking at a high of 34°F. On paper, that sounds like a standard, brisk January afternoon. But the transition from a clear, periodic cloudy night into a sunny day doesn't mean you should leave the heavy layers at home.
📖 Related: Casualties Vietnam War US: The Raw Numbers and the Stories They Don't Tell You
The humidity is hovering around 42%, which is dry enough to make the air feel sharp.
New York is currently in a "nighttime" phase as of this update, with conditions described as clear with periodic clouds. If you are heading out for an early shift or walking the dog before the sun really gets to work, just know that 9-degree wind chill is waiting for you.
Breaking Down the Day
- Current Temp: 22°F
- Wind Chill: 9°F
- Wind Speed: 14 mph (West)
- Precipitation: 0% (For now)
Basically, you've got a dry but freezing start to your Friday. The UV index is a flat 0 right now, so no worries about the sun, but that will creep up to a 1 during the peak of the day. It’s not much, but it’s something.
👉 See also: Carlos De Castro Pretelt: The Army Vet Challenging Arlington's Status Quo
Is Snow on the Table?
This is where it gets a little tricky. While we are starting the day with 0% chance of precipitation, the daily forecast suggests things might shift slightly.
Later today, the chance of snow kicks up to about 10%. Now, 10% isn't exactly a blizzard warning. It's more of a "you might see a stray flake or two while you're grabbing lunch" kind of situation. The daytime condition is officially listed as sunny, but as we move into the night, expect it to turn cloudy.
The wind is expected to stay consistent, settling at about 15 mph from the west.
✨ Don't miss: Blanket Primary Explained: Why This Voting System Is So Controversial
What Most People Get Wrong About January in NYC
A lot of folks think that if the sun is out, the "feels like" temp will naturally rise to meet the actual temperature. That’s rarely how it works here, especially with the wind tunnels created by the skyscrapers.
The low for tonight is 22°F, identical to where we are right now. The humidity will actually drop slightly to 37% during the day. This dry air combined with the 15 mph wind means that even at the "warmest" part of the day (34°F), it’s probably going to feel like it’s in the low 20s.
Quick Comparison for the Commute
| Timeframe | Condition | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Clear/Clouds | 22°F (Feels like 9°F) |
| Today's High | Sunny | 34°F |
| Tonight's Low | Cloudy | 22°F |
Actionable Tips for Navigating Today
If you're out and about, don't just dress for 34 degrees. Dress for the wind.
- Cover your extremities. With a 9-degree wind chill, exposed skin loses heat incredibly fast.
- Watch the clouds. The shift from sunny to cloudy this evening will happen fast, making the commute home feel much gloomier than the morning walk.
- Ignore the 10% snow chance. Unless you're incredibly unlucky, you won't need boots for accumulation, but the dampness might make the air feel "heavier."
Stay warm out there, New York. It’s a classic January Friday—cold, bright, and windy enough to remind you exactly what season it is.
Check your local transit apps before heading out, as wind can sometimes cause minor delays on elevated lines, though today's 15 mph gusts are generally within the "normal" range for the city.