Honestly, if you're living on Staten Island right now, you’ve probably already spent half the morning looking out the window at the gray sky and wondering if the meteorologists are actually getting it right this time. We’ve all been there. You hear "snow" and either rush to ShopRite for milk and bread like it’s the apocalypse, or you shrug it off because the Verrazzano seems to have its own force field against real storms.
But weather Staten Island today is actually doing exactly what the models predicted for once.
As of late Saturday night, January 17, 2026, the temperature is hovering right around 30°F, but it feels like 25°F once that west wind hits you. It’s mostly cloudy, kind of eerie, and very much the "calm before the storm" vibe. Earlier today, places like Dongan Hills already saw about 2 inches of the white stuff. It wasn't enough to bury the car, but it was enough to make the side streets a total mess.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now
The real story isn't just the 30 degrees on the thermometer. It’s the moisture moving in.
We are currently sitting in a weird gap between two systems. The first round moved through Saturday morning, leaving a light dusting across the island. But if you think we’re done, you haven't been paying attention to the National Weather Service alerts.
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The Deep Freeze and the "Feel"
- Current Temp: 30°F
- Wind Chill: 25°F (dress for this, not the actual temp)
- Humidity: 81% (it’s that "damp cold" that gets into your bones)
- Wind Speed: A gentle 4 mph from the west, but don't let that fool you.
Basically, the air is saturated. With humidity sitting at 81%, any drop in temperature overnight is going to turn the existing slush on Hylan Boulevard into a sheet of black ice. If you’re heading out to the diner or coming home late from the city, watch the overpasses. They freeze first. Every single time.
The Sunday Forecast: Don't Put the Shovel Away
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is when things get interesting. We’re looking at a high of 34°F and a low of 22°F. That 34-degree high is dangerous because it’s just warm enough for the snow to be heavy, wet, and heart-attack-inducing to shovel.
The forecast is calling for a 40% chance of snow during the day and a 45% chance at night. While those percentages might seem low-ish, the Winter Weather Advisory is already in effect starting at 7:00 AM. We’re expecting an additional 1 to 3 inches of accumulation.
It’s not a blizzard. It’s not "Snowpocalypse 2026." But it is enough to make the Monday morning commute via the Staten Island Expressway a nightmare.
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Why Staten Island Weather Is Different
You’ve probably noticed that we often get hit harder (or lighter) than Manhattan or the Bronx. Being surrounded by water—the Arthur Kill, the Kill Van Kull, and the Atlantic—means our "micro-climate" is real.
When the wind comes from the north at 7 mph, like it's expected to tomorrow, it picks up moisture from the bay. This can lead to "ocean-enhanced" snowfall. That’s why you might see 3 inches in Tottenville but only an inch in St. George. It’s annoying, it’s unpredictable, and it’s why local weather apps usually struggle to give us a straight answer.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think that because we are the southernmost borough, we stay warmer. Not always. Because we lack the "urban heat island" effect of the massive skyscrapers in Midtown, Staten Island often stays a few degrees cooler at night. That’s the difference between rain and a slushy mess that ruins your driveway.
Practical Steps for the Next 24 Hours
Stop waiting for the "perfect" forecast and just prep for the ice.
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First, salt your walk tonight. Even if it doesn't snow more, that 81% humidity is going to condense and freeze as the temp drops to 22°F later.
Second, check your tires. If you’re still running on bald all-seasons, the hills near Grymes Hill or Todt Hill will own you tomorrow.
Third, if you don't have to be on the road Sunday afternoon, don't be. The Office of Emergency Management has already issued a travel advisory. Between the black ice and the 40% chance of fresh snow, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is going to be a parking lot of people who forgot how to drive in 30-degree weather.
Basically, keep the boots by the door. It’s going to be a cold, white, and very Staten Island kind of weekend.
Next steps for you:
- Check the salt supply: Grab a bag of calcium chloride now before the local hardware stores run out Sunday morning.
- Monitor the bridge status: Check the MTA or 511NY apps before heading out, as wind gusts can sometimes lead to restricted travel for high-profile vehicles.
- Clear your tailpipe: If you’re warming up the car tomorrow morning after the snow falls, make sure the exhaust isn't blocked by a snowbank to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.