The Current Vibe: what is temp in nyc right now
Honestly, if you're standing on a corner in Manhattan waiting for the M15 bus or trying to find a cab in Brooklyn, you already know—it’s cold. Like, really cold. Right now, the mercury in New York is sitting exactly at 31°F.
But here is the thing: that number is a total liar.
Because of a light breeze coming out of the south at 6 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually a much bitey-er 26°F. It’s that damp, nighttime chill that sneaks under your coat and makes you regret not wearing the "ugly" thermal socks. The sky is completely cloudy, which is keeping the city feeling like a giant, gray refrigerator. Humidity is hovering at 52%, so it's not super bone-dry, but it’s definitely crisp enough to see your breath.
What to Expect for the Rest of Saturday
If you’re planning to head out later today, January 17, 2026, don't let that midnight chill fool you into staying in bed all day. Things are going to shift. We are looking at a high of 38°F, which, okay, isn't exactly tropical, but it’s a heck of a lot better than 26.
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The big story for today is the light snow.
There is a 45% chance of snow during the daylight hours. It’s not likely to be a "shut down the subway" kind of storm, but more of a "pretty for five minutes before it turns into gray slush" situation. The wind is going to kick up a bit more too, hitting about 10 mph from the southwest.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
Basically, here is the breakdown of what the cards are showing for New York today:
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- Right this second: 31°F (Feels like 26°F).
- The High: 38°F.
- The Low: 31°F.
- The Atmosphere: Cloudy and quiet for now, but snow is on the horizon.
- Tonight's odds: A 35% chance of snow sticking around after dark.
You’ve probably noticed the air feels a bit heavier than it did yesterday. That's the 69% humidity forecast for the day kicking in. When the humidity jumps like that in January, it usually means the atmosphere is priming itself for some kind of precipitation—in this case, the white stuff.
Dressing for a New York January
If you're visiting or just moved here, the 30s are a tricky range. You’ll sweat in a heavy puffer if you’re power-walking to the office, but you’ll freeze the second you stand still for a bagel. Layers are your best friend. Since the UV index is a flat 0, don't worry about the sun warming you up; what you see is what you get.
Stick to a wind-resistant outer shell because that southwest wind can be surprisingly sharp when it whips between the skyscrapers.
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Keep an eye on the sky starting around mid-morning. That 45% chance of snow means the sidewalks could get slick pretty fast. If you're driving, remember that 38°F is just warm enough for things to melt, but once that sun goes down and we hit the low of 31°F again, all that slush is going to turn into a nice sheet of ice.
Grab some waterproof boots and maybe an extra pair of gloves. It’s going to be a classic, gray, snowy Saturday in the city.
Next Steps:
Check your local transit app before heading out, as light snow can often cause minor delays on the above-ground subway lines. If you're driving, keep a scraper handy for the evening freeze-over.