Right now, if you’re standing on a street corner in Manhattan, the thermometer is technically reading 32°F. It’s night, the sky is mostly cloudy, and there’s a quiet, biting chill hanging over the five boroughs. But honestly? If you’re out there, you know that number is a total lie. Because of a 6 mph wind coming out of the southwest, the feels like temperature is actually 27°F.
That’s the thing about New York. The "real" temp and the "New York" temp are rarely the same.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, has been a bit of a mess weather-wise. We saw a mix of rain and snow earlier with a high of 38°F, which kept things mostly slushy rather than pretty. As we move through the night, the low is hitting 31°F. Humidity is sitting heavy at 84%, making that cold air stick to your skin like a damp wool blanket. If you're looking at the sky, it's basically just a ceiling of grey.
What is temp in new york city vs. what you actually feel
Most people check their phones, see a number, and think they're prepared. Big mistake. New York City is a giant canyon made of concrete and glass. In the winter, these streets turn into wind tunnels. A "mild" 35-degree day can feel like a sub-zero trek through the tundra the second you turn the corner onto an avenue and get hit by a gust funneling between skyscrapers.
It’s weird.
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Then you have the subway factor. You’re shivering on the platform in a heavy parka, then you step onto a train where the heater is blasting like a furnace. Suddenly, it’s 75 degrees in your immediate vicinity. You’re sweating, then you're back in the 31-degree night air. This constant thermal whiplash is why locals walk around looking like they're prepared for three different climates at once.
Breaking down the current numbers
Let’s look at the specifics for tonight and what’s coming:
- Current Temp: 32°F
- RealFeel: 27°F (thanks to that southwest wind)
- Humidity: 84%
- Precipitation: 8% chance of snow tonight, though we already dealt with the bulk of the rain/snow mix earlier today.
- Tomorrow's Outlook: The city is actually under a Winter Weather Advisory for Sunday.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NYC Emergency Management team are already sounding the alarms. While today was just a teaser, Sunday is expected to bring the first real accumulating snow of 2026. We’re talking 1 to 3 inches across the city, starting as early as 5 a.m.
The urban heat island is real
Ever notice how it’s always a few degrees warmer in Times Square than it is out in Westchester or even deep into Queens? That’s the urban heat island effect. All that asphalt and all those buildings soak up heat during the day and bleed it out at night.
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In the summer, it’s a nightmare. In the winter, it’s the only reason we aren't permanently frozen.
But it also means the what is temp in new york city question has different answers depending on where you're standing. Central Park is the official measuring station, but if you’re down in the Financial District surrounded by stone, or up in the Bronx near the greenery of Van Cortlandt Park, your experience is going to be different. Humidity plays a massive role here too. Since we’re surrounded by water—the Hudson, the East River, the Atlantic—the air is rarely "dry cold." It’s a wet, bone-deep cold that finds every gap in your zipper.
Why 2026 feels a little wonky
Data from groups like Berkeley Earth suggest that 2026 is trending to be one of the warmer years on record globally, even if today feels like a freezer. We’re seeing more "swing" days. One day it’s 50 degrees and New Yorkers are wearing t-shirts in Washington Square Park, and the next, a "Code Blue" is in effect because the mercury plummeted.
Actually, the city is in a Code Blue right now.
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That means if you see someone outside who looks like they need a warm place to stay, call 311. The city doesn't turn anyone away from shelters when the temps hit these levels. It’s a serious safety issue that goes beyond just being "uncomfortable."
How to actually survive the NYC winter
If you're trying to figure out what is temp in new york city so you can dress for a commute, stop looking at the "High" and start looking at the "Wind Chill" and "Dew Point."
Basically, you need a shell. A coat that stops the wind is more important than a coat that’s just thick. If the wind can’t get through, your body heat stays trapped. If the wind gets through, you’re toast. Also, waterproof boots are non-negotiable. Today’s high of 38°F meant that most of the snow turned into "grey slush," which is a unique New York substance that looks like solid ground but is actually a six-inch deep puddle of freezing filth.
Honestly, the best advice is to embrace the layers. You want a base layer that wicks sweat (because of those overheated subways), a middle layer for insulation, and a top layer that acts as a windbreaker.
Actionable next steps for the next 24 hours:
- Prep for the Sunday Commute: Since the snow is expected to start at 5 a.m. tomorrow, the DSNY is already out with salt spreaders. Expect travel delays.
- Download the Notify NYC App: It’s the fastest way to get real-time updates on when the "feels like" temp is going to drop into dangerous territory.
- Check Your Radiators: If you're a renter and your apartment is below 68°F during the day (when it's below 55°F outside), your landlord is legally required to turn up the heat.
- Watch the Slush: With tonight's low hitting 31°F, everything that melted today is going to turn into "black ice" tonight. Watch your step on the subway stairs.
The temperature in New York is never just a number. It’s a vibe, a challenge, and occasionally, a reason to stay inside with a bagel and wait for spring.