Honestly, if you’re moving to Scarsdale or just passing through, you’ve probably heard the standard "it’s basically just New York City weather" line. That's kinda true, but also a total oversimplification that'll leave you shivering on a train platform or stuck in a basement with a sump pump that can't keep up.
Scarsdale has this weird micro-climatic personality. One minute it’s the picture-perfect suburban winter wonderland, and the next, you’re dealing with the "Bronx River Parkway is a swimming pool" situation.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is a perfect example of why you can't just wing it here. Right now, it’s 31°F with light snow falling and a humidity level of 89% that makes the air feel like a damp wool blanket. There’s a north wind at 2 mph, which sounds like nothing, but in this humidity, it cuts right through a light jacket.
The Reality of Scarsdale Winters
Most people think January is just one long, grey block of cold. It’s actually more of a rollercoaster. Today’s high is 34°F, which is basically the "sloppy slush" threshold. If you're out and about, watch out for the transition tonight. The temperature is dropping to 26°F, and those snow showers—there's a 100% chance of precipitation during the day—are going to freeze solid on the sidewalks.
We’re looking at a 4 mph northeast wind today. It’s gentle, but it’s bringing in that moisture.
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If you look at the historical data, January usually averages a high of 37°F and a low of 24°F. We’re right in the pocket of that average today. But don't get comfortable. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, the sun comes out, but the temperature dives to a high of 30°F and a low of 17°F.
The real kicker? The wind picks up to 9 mph from the southwest. That’s the "frozen face" wind.
Why the Snow Here is Different
Scarsdale gets about 33 inches of snow a year. That’s the official stat, anyway. February is actually the snowiest month historically, averaging about 11 inches, while January usually sees around 9.2 inches.
The thing about weather in Scarsdale NY is the "Coastal Hug." Because we’re tucked into Westchester, we often get caught in that narrow band where a few miles east gets rain and a few miles west gets a blizzard. You end up with this heavy, wet "heart attack snow" that’s a nightmare to shovel.
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- Today (Jan 18): 34°F / 26°F. 100% chance of snow.
- Monday (Jan 19): 30°F / 17°F. Clearer but colder.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): 22°F / 10°F. This is the "stay inside" day.
Summer Swelter and the Humidity Factor
Let’s flip the script. July in Scarsdale is a different beast entirely. You’ve got an average high of 84°F, but the humidity is what actually kills the vibe.
The dew point often creeps into the 60s or even 70s. It’s that thick, soup-like air where your AC unit sounds like it’s fighting for its life. Historically, July is also the wettest month, averaging 4.83 inches of rain. These aren't usually long drizzles; they're those aggressive, 20-minute afternoon thunderstorms that knock out the power because a branch fell on a line in Fox Meadow.
It’s interesting because September is actually a "hidden gem" month here. The sky is clear about 63% of the time, making it the clearest month of the year. The humidity finally breaks, the leaves start to turn, and you finally stop paying $400 a month to Con Ed for cooling.
What Residents Actually Worry About
If you ask a long-time Scarsdale resident about the weather, they won't talk about the "average temperature." They'll talk about the wind and the flooding.
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Recent reports from First Street and NOAA highlight that Scarsdale actually has a major wind risk. We’re talking about historical gusts that have hit 77 mph during rare storms. Because of the mature tree canopy—which is beautiful, don't get me wrong—high winds mean blocked roads and "No School" alerts because the buses can't get through the downed limbs.
And the flooding? If you live near the Hutchinson River or the Bronx River, you know the drill. Flash flooding has been on the rise across New York, with 2024 seeing some of the highest numbers of severe weather events on record.
Practical Survival Tips for Scarsdale NY
- The "Layer" Rule: Don't just wear one giant parka. Today’s 31°F and 89% humidity requires a moisture-wicking base layer and a wind-resistant shell.
- The Car Kit: If you're driving on the Post Road during a storm like the one today, keep kitty litter in the trunk for traction and a Mylar blanket. Black ice is a genuine menace on the winding back roads near the golf courses.
- Home Maintenance: Calibrate your thermostats. The NY Department of Health suggests keeping indoor temps at least at 68°F to prevent pipe bursts, though nursing homes are actually required to hit 75°F.
- The Sump Pump: If you have a basement, get a battery backup for your sump pump. The 50 inches of annual precipitation we get isn't distributed evenly; it comes in buckets.
The forecast for the next week shows a massive dip. By Tuesday, we're looking at a high of only 22°F with 11 mph winds. That’s a wind chill that’ll drop into the single digits. Honestly, if you can work from home that day, do it.
The Actionable Bottom Line
Check your gutters before the freeze sets in tonight. With 100% precipitation today and a low of 26°F, any standing water in your drainage system is going to turn into an ice dam by tomorrow morning. If you're heading to the Scarsdale train station tomorrow, give yourself an extra 15 minutes to de-ice the car, as that 17°F overnight low is going to turn today's slush into a sheet of glass.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds for Tuesday; 11 mph might not sound like much, but at 10°F, it's enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes. Stay warm, keep the salt handy, and maybe order in tonight.