Honestly, looking out the window in New York today, it’s that classic January mix that makes you question why we live here, yet somehow feels exactly right for a Saturday in the city. Everyone’s talking about the "big chill," and yeah, it's cold, but the reality on the ground is a bit more complicated than just a number on a screen.
Right now, New York is sitting at a crisp 34°F. It’s cloudy, which actually feels a bit like a blanket compared to the biting clear skies we had earlier in the week. The wind is coming in from the south at a gentle 4 mph, so we aren't dealing with that face-stinging gustiness that usually haunts the street corners between skyscrapers. Humidity is hanging around 45%, keeping things dry but not quite "static-shock-every-time-you-touch-a-doorknob" dry.
The Real Deal with the Forecast
If you’re planning to head out, don't let the "high" of 38°F fool you into thinking it's a light jacket day. We’re looking at a messy combo of rain and snow for the daytime hours.
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The chance of precipitation is sitting at a solid 65%, primarily as snow. Because we’re hovering just above freezing, it’s likely going to be that heavy, slushy stuff that turns the crosswalks into Olympic-level hurdle events. The South wind will pick up a bit to about 8 mph, which isn't huge, but when it’s 38 degrees and raining/snowing, it definitely adds a damp bite to the air.
What’s Actually Happening North and West?
Interestingly, the "New York" experience today varies wildly depending on if you’re in Midtown or further up the Hudson. While the city expects little to no real accumulation on the pavement, areas like Ulster, Herkimer, and Hamilton counties are under a legitimate Winter Weather Advisory.
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NWS Albany is tracking 2 to 5 inches in those spots, with some Adirondack foothills potentially seeing 7 inches. If you're driving north on the Thruway today, you’re basically driving into a different climate zone.
Tonight’s Vibes
As we move into tonight, the temperature drops down to a low of 32°F. The rain/snow mix transitions into just light snow, but the probability drops significantly to 20%. It’s basically going to be "pretty" snow—the kind that flurries under the streetlights without really messing up your commute, unlike the morning slush fest.
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Why the "Polar Vortex" Talk Matters
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the Polar Vortex stretching. Meteorologists like the team over at Fox Weather are pointing out that this isn't just a one-off cold snap. This is the start of a weeks-long trend. While today's UV index of 1 means you don't need the sunscreen, you definitely need the layers. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has already activated its "Bladerunner 2.0" tracking—which sounds like a sci-fi movie but is actually just a very efficient way to manage the 700 salt spreaders currently hitting the streets.
Survival Tips for Today
- Waterproof your life: Leather boots are your friend. Canvas sneakers will be soaked through by the first subway grate.
- Salt is everywhere: DSNY has roughly 700 million pounds of salt ready. If you’re walking a dog, wipe those paws as soon as you get inside; that salt is brutal on them.
- Watch the Sunday transition: Today is the "lower level" advisory, but everyone is keeping an eye on a separate system for Sunday that might be a bit more organized.
Basically, today is a day for a heavy wool coat, a sturdy umbrella that won't flip in an 8 mph breeze, and maybe an extra dose of patience for the MTA. The humidity will jump up to 65% during the day, making the air feel much heavier than the 34°F current temp suggests.
Actionable Next Steps
If you have to travel north of the city, check the NYS Thruway status before you leave, as "wet spots" are already turning into "icy spots" near Rochester and Syracuse. For those staying in the city, stick to the main avenues where the salt spreaders have already done their thing, and maybe save the outdoor park plans for a day that isn't a "rain and snow" cocktail.