So, you’re looking out the window in Manhattan or maybe grabbing a coffee in Brooklyn, wondering if the sky is actually going to dump a foot of snow on us. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and honestly, the vibe outside is kinda confusing. One minute it’s a sloppy mix of rain and snow, and the next, it just looks like a gray, humid blanket.
If you’re planning your weekend around weather in nyc this weekend, you’ve probably seen the headlines. "First Alert Weather Day!" "Travel Advisory!" It sounds intense. But let’s get into the actual numbers because what most people get wrong is thinking a "Snow Alert" means the city is shutting down.
Saturday’s Sloppy Mess
Today is basically the warm-up act. We’re looking at a high of 38°F and a low of 32°F. Since we’re hovering right above freezing, most of that "100% chance of precipitation" is coming down as a rain-snow mix.
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is already out there with salt spreaders. They’ve got about 700 million pounds of salt ready to go. Think about that. That is a massive amount of salt. But because the ground is still relatively warm, the snow today isn't really sticking to the roads. It’s mostly just making things wet and gross. You might see a trace to an inch on the grass or on top of parked cars, but your Uber probably won't be sliding around just yet.
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Sunday is the Real Story
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is when things get a bit more "real." The National Weather Service (NWS) put a Winter Weather Advisory into effect starting at 7:00 a.m. and lasting until 8:00 p.m.
Here’s the breakdown for Sunday:
- High Temperature: 35°F
- Low Temperature: 26°F
- Snow Chance: 45% during the day, tapering off to 35% at night.
- Expected Accumulation: 1 to 3 inches across the city.
Now, if you’re in eastern Queens or southeast Brooklyn, you might see a bit more—maybe 2 to 4 inches. Why? Because a coastal storm is spinning offshore, and those areas are closer to the "moisture crank," so to speak.
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The timing is the big thing. NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) says the heaviest stuff should hit between 8 a.m. and noon, and then again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Since the temperature is dropping to 26°F Sunday night, whatever falls is going to stick. We’re talking about actual slippery sidewalks and black ice potential.
Why the "Code Blue" Matters
You might have heard the term "Code Blue" being tossed around. Basically, when temperatures or wind chills drop below 32°F between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., the city goes into overdrive to protect the homeless population.
This isn't just bureaucracy. It means outreach teams are hitting all five boroughs to get people into shelters. If you see someone who looks like they’re struggling in the cold, call 311. Honestly, it’s one of those things where a quick call can actually save a life.
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Navigating the Transit Chaos
The DSNY has activated "Bladerunner 2.0"—which sounds like a sci-fi movie but is actually just their GPS system to track every single salt spreader and plow in real-time.
If you’re driving, Sunday is the day to just... maybe not? Or at least wait until the plows have done a pass. The city is pre-treating bridges and highways with brine (that salty liquid you see sprayed in lines on the road), but 1-3 inches of snow at 30 degrees is the perfect recipe for a slushy nightmare.
Wait, what about my trash?
Here’s a specific detail everyone forgets: Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There was already no trash collection scheduled for Monday. If you usually put your bins out Sunday night for Monday pickup, don't. Hold onto it until Monday evening for Tuesday collection.
Actionable Next Steps
Don't let the weather in nyc this weekend ruin your plans, just adjust them.
- Check the 311 App: Seriously, it’s the fastest way to see if there are specific local closures or if your neighborhood's plowing is underway.
- Layers are your friend: Saturday is damp-cold (38°F with 83% humidity), which feels way more "bone-chilling" than a dry 30°F. Wear something waterproof today.
- Charge the tech: While we aren't expecting a massive power-outage-level blizzard, wind gusts can sometimes knock branches onto lines when the snow is heavy and wet.
- Sunday Morning Travel: If you have to get to JFK or LaGuardia, give yourself an extra 90 minutes. The snow starts around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m., and the "moderate-to-heavy" bands hit right during the morning rush.
Keep an eye on the sky, stay warm, and maybe grab that extra bag of rock salt for your stoop before the Sunday freeze sets in.