So, you’re looking at the sky over Flatbush or maybe peering out toward the Verrazzano and wondering if tomorrow is going to be a total wash. Honestly, January in Brooklyn is always a bit of a gamble. One day you’re grabbing a latte in a light jacket because of some weird literal heat bubble, and the next, the wind off the East River is trying to take your skin off.
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, is shaping up to be one of those "character-building" days. We are coming off a messy Thursday that saw some serious slush and wind, and Friday isn't exactly rolling out the red carpet for outdoor dining. If you've lived here long enough, you know the drill, but there are a few nuances about tomorrow’s shift that might actually surprise you.
The Cold Hard Numbers for Friday, January 16
Let’s get the raw data out of the way.
According to the latest from the National Weather Service and local stations at LaGuardia and JFK, we are looking at a high of 35°F. That sounds manageable. It isn't.
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The low is going to bottom out around 20°F late at night. Basically, if you are planning on staying out late in Williamsburg or hitting up a show in Bushwick, that 20 degrees is going to feel significantly sharper. Why? Because the wind is not playing nice.
We are looking at sustained west winds at about 15 to 20 mph, with some gusts potentially hitting the 30 mph mark in the morning. This is the classic "wind tunnel" effect you get on streets like Atlantic Avenue or anything near the waterfront in DUMBO. The "feels like" temperature—that lovely metric that tells you how miserable you’ll actually be—is going to hover in the low 20s or even teens for most of the morning.
A Breakdown of the Day’s Rhythm
- Morning Commute (7 AM - 10 AM): It’s going to be bright. The sun will be out, but don't let the glare through your window fool you. It’s biting. This is the peak of those 20-30 mph gusts.
- The Midday "Lull" (12 PM - 3 PM): The sun stays out, and the wind dies down just a fraction. This is your best window to run errands. It’ll be the "warmest" part of the day at that 35-degree peak.
- The Evening Drop (6 PM onwards): Clouds start rolling in. The humidity is relatively low at 40%, so it's a "dry cold," but once that sun dips behind the New Jersey skyline, the temperature falls off a cliff.
Why Brooklyn’s Microclimates Matter Tomorrow
Brooklyn isn't a monolith when it comes to weather. If you’re inland, say toward Midwood or Kensington, you might feel a bit more shielded. However, if you are anywhere near the Brooklyn Bridge Park or Red Hook, you are going to get the full brunt of the maritime influence.
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The marine forecast for New York Harbor has a Small Craft Advisory in effect through Friday morning. This means the water is choppy and the air moving over it is incredibly unstable. For those of us on land, that translates to unpredictable, freezing gusts that seem to come from every direction at once.
Interestingly, there’s a slight 25% chance of some stray snow flurries late Friday night as a secondary trough moves through. It won't be the "shoveling" kind of snow—more like the "blink and you missed it" dust that just makes the sidewalks a little extra slick.
What to Actually Wear (The Brooklyn Layering Strategy)
Don't be the person in the massive floor-length puffer who starts sweating the second they step onto the L train. You've got to be smarter than that.
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- The Base: Merino wool is your best friend. A thin layer that wicks moisture.
- The Mid: A fleece or a "shacket" (shirt-jacket) works well for the 35-degree high.
- The Outer: You need a windbreaker or a shell over your insulation. Since it’s going to be sunny, you don't need a heavy-duty waterproof parka, but you do need something that stops the wind from cutting through your knitwear.
- The Feet: Stick to boots with a rubber sole. The remnants of Thursday's snow/rain might still be icy in the shadows of the brownstones, especially in areas like Park Slope where the sidewalks can be notoriously uneven.
Navigating the City During This Stretch
Is it going to be a "stay inside" day? Not necessarily. The visibility will be great—around 10 miles—so if you’re a photographer or just like the crisp winter light, it’s actually a beautiful day for a walk. Just keep it moving.
The real danger tomorrow isn't the snow; it's the refreeze. Anything that melted on Thursday is going to turn into "black ice" by Friday morning. Be careful on the subway stairs. The MTA is usually decent at salting, but some of those outdoor platforms (looking at you, Smith-9th Streets) can become skating rinks when the wind whips through the open architecture.
Actionable Advice for Your Friday
- Check your heating: If your landlord is stingy, Friday night is when you’ll feel it. Make sure your windows are sealed properly today.
- Pet owners: Keep the walks short. 20 degrees with a 15 mph wind is rough on paws, and salt on the streets can irritate them.
- Transit check: High winds can occasionally cause delays on the bridges for some bus routes. Check the MYmta app before you head out, though major disruptions aren't expected.
- Hydrate: People forget to drink water when it’s cold. The 40% humidity means the air is dry, which can lead to that "winter headache."
Basically, tomorrow is a classic New York winter day. Cold, bright, and a little bit aggressive. Respect the wind, wear your wool socks, and you’ll be fine.