It is cold. Not "I need a light jacket" cold, but the kind of mid-January New York chill that bites through your jeans if you stand on the subway platform for too long. If you are looking at the weather nyc today celsius reading, you’ll see the mercury hovering around 3°C as of this morning.
Honestly, that number is a bit of a lie.
Because of the 5 mph wind coming off the south, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting closer to 1°C. It’s the kind of day where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket—solidly cloudy and grey. If you're heading out to grab coffee or walking the dog in Central Park, don't let that 3-degree stat fool you into thinking it's mild.
The Reality of the Weather NYC Today Celsius Forecast
Most people check the high and think they're set. Today, the high is hitting 4°C, which is pretty much spot-on for a typical January day in Manhattan. But there’s a catch. The humidity is currently at 45%, but it’s expected to climb as the day progresses.
Why does that matter?
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Higher humidity in the winter makes the cold feel "wetter" and more bone-chilling. By this afternoon, we’re looking at an 85% chance of precipitation. The National Weather Service is calling it light rain, but don't be shocked if you see some slushy snow mixed in. The atmospheric columns are right on the edge of freezing.
Basically, it’s going to be a messy afternoon.
Hour-by-Hour Breakdown: Staying Dry
If you have plans between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, you’ve probably noticed the clouds thickening. This is the "danger zone" for commuters.
While the temperature stays at that 4°C peak, the southwesterly winds will pick up to about 7 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make a cheap umbrella turn inside out if you catch a draft between the skyscrapers on 6th Avenue.
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By the time the sun sets at 4:55 PM, the temperature will start its slow slide back down toward the overnight low of 1°C.
The "Slush" Factor in New York City
New Yorkers know that 1°C or 2°C is actually worse than -5°C. When it’s well below freezing, the snow stays dry and crunchy. At the current weather nyc today celsius levels, everything that hits the ground turns into that gray, salty liquid known as "Slush."
- Footwear is everything: If you wear suede today, you’ll regret it by 3:00 PM.
- The "Splash" Zone: Watch out for cabs. A puddle at 2°C is a weapon.
- Visibility: The clouds are low today. If you’re heading to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building, you’re basically paying to see the inside of a cloud.
Is This Normal for January 17?
Sorta. Historical data from the Central Park weather station shows that the "normal" high for this date is around 4°C (39°F). We are exactly on average.
However, we’ve seen some wild swings in the past. Back in 1990, it hit a record 17°C (63°F). On the flip side, the record low was -19°C (-2°F) in 1977. So, while 3°C feels miserable while you're waiting for the M15 bus, it could definitely be worse.
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Experts at the National Weather Service (NWS) point out that we’re currently in a weak La Niña pattern. This usually means the jet stream is a bit further north, leading to these "marginal" days where it can’t decide if it wants to be a winter wonderland or a rainy mess.
Survival Tips for the 3°C NYC Day
You've got to layer. But not just any layers.
The humidity means you want a water-resistant outer shell. A wool coat is classic New York, but once it gets damp from that 85% chance of light rain/snow, it gets heavy and loses its warmth.
Also, keep an eye on the wind. It's coming from the southwest tonight. If you're walking uptown, you'll have the wind at your back, which makes a huge difference in how that 1°C feels on your face.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Radar at 2:00 PM: That’s when the precipitation is most likely to transition from "maybe" to "definitely."
- Salt your stoop: If you’re a homeowner or a super, the temp is dropping to 1°C tonight. Anything wet will turn into a thin sheet of black ice by tomorrow morning.
- Switch to waterproof boots: Leather or rubber is your friend today.
- Plan for indoor transit: If you can take the subway instead of walking ten blocks, today is the day to do it.
The bottom line: It’s a standard, gray, chilly New York Saturday. Dress for the dampness, not just the temperature.