You’ve heard it before. New York weather is a fickle beast, especially in the dead of winter. If you’re checking the weather in NYC on Friday, January 16, 2026, you’re likely trying to figure out if you need the heavy-duty parka or if those stylish but thin leather boots will survive a trek across 5th Avenue.
Honestly, it’s looking like a classic January mixed bag.
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The city is currently shaking off the remnants of a wetter-than-usual start to the month. Earlier this year, back on New Year's Day, we got smacked with snow squalls and 50 mph gusts. Since then, the atmosphere has been trying to find its footing. For this Friday, the vibe is basically "cold but manageable," with a side of "watch out for the evening commute."
The Real Breakdown: Morning Chill and Afternoon Sun
Expect to wake up to a crisp, biting 24°F.
It’s the kind of cold that hits your lungs if you walk too fast to the subway. However, the National Weather Service is calling for partly sunny skies during the daylight hours. That sun is deceptive, though. Even with clear skies, the high is only going to hit about 35°F. In the canyons of Midtown, where the wind tunnels live, it’s going to feel significantly colder.
The wind is coming in from the West at about 13 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make you regret forgetting your scarf.
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Why the Forecast Feels Different Depending on the Borough
If you’re in the Financial District, you’ve got that damp harbor air making 35°F feel like 25°F. Meanwhile, over in Bushwick or deep in Queens, you might catch a bit more of that direct sunlight without the skyscraper shadows.
- Manhattan: Wind tunnels between buildings will add a "sharpness" to the air.
- Brooklyn/Queens: Slightly more sun exposure, but the same freezing temps.
- Staten Island/Coastal Bronx: The humidity will be around 33%, keeping things dry but brisk.
The Evening Twist: Snow Showers Are Looming
The day might start pretty, but don’t let it fool you into leaving your umbrella or hood at home. By Friday night, the clouds are moving back in. We are looking at a 25% chance of snow showers after the sun goes down.
It isn't a blizzard. It’s not even a "snow event" by NYC standards. It’s more of those annoying, localized bursts that make the sidewalks slick just as everyone is heading out for dinner.
The low will drop back down to 24°F overnight. This means anything that falls is going to stick to the pavement, especially on the bridges and overpasses. If you’re driving in from Jersey or heading out to Long Island, keep an eye on the Northway and the LIE. Black ice doesn’t care about your weekend plans.
Misconceptions About NYC Winters in 2026
A lot of people think that because we had a weak La Niña this year, the winter was supposed to be "warm."
That’s a huge oversimplification.
Climate experts from NOAA have been tracking a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions. While the broader trend for the East Coast has favored above-normal temperatures this season, that doesn't mean "no winter." It means more volatility. We get these 50-degree days followed by a sudden plunge into the 20s. Friday is one of those plunges.
"A weak La Niña would be less likely to result in conventional winter impacts, though predictable signals could still influence the forecast guidance." — National Weather Service Winter Outlook.
Basically, the weather is acting like a mood ring. Friday is the "blue" phase—cold and steady.
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Planning Your Friday in the City
If you’re a local or just visiting, here is how you actually handle the weather in NYC on Friday without losing your mind.
First, layers are non-negotiable. The subway stations are going to be a sweltering 75°F while the platforms stay a breezy 40°F. If you wear one massive coat over a t-shirt, you’re going to be miserable. Go with a thermal base, a sweater, and a wind-blocking outer layer.
Second, the UV index is low (around 2), but that winter sun reflecting off the glass buildings can still be bright. Sunglasses are a pro move for walking West in the late afternoon.
What to Do if the Snow Starts
If those evening snow showers hit harder than the 25% chance suggests:
- Skip the Uber: Traffic in Manhattan becomes a parking lot the second a single snowflake touches a yellow cab.
- Stick to the Subway: It’s the only way to stay on schedule.
- Check the MTA App: They’ve been better about "Winter Weather" service changes lately, but "better" is a relative term in New York.
Looking ahead to the rest of the weekend, Saturday is actually shaping up to be messier. We’re expecting a mix of rain and snow with a 75% precipitation chance and a high of 40°F. That means Friday is actually your best window for outdoor activities before the "slush-pocalypse" arrives on Saturday morning.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your footwear before leaving the house Friday morning. Since the temperature won't rise above freezing for most of the day, any moisture from the evening snow showers will likely turn to ice by Saturday morning. If you have outdoor plans, aim for between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to catch the maximum (though limited) warmth from the sun. Grab a pair of gloves with touch-screen fingertips; you won't want to have your bare hands out while checking Google Maps on a windy street corner.