Honestly, if you looked out your window this morning and saw that gray, heavy sky over Manhattan, you probably already knew today wasn't going to be a picnic. New York has a very specific way of feeling cold. It’s not just the temperature; it’s that damp, biting chill that seems to come right off the Hudson and find the one gap in your scarf.
So, what is the weather today in New York City? As of right now, it’s basically hovering at 34°F. That sounds like a standard winter day, but the "feels like" is sitting closer to 29°F. We’re currently in a "mostly cloudy" phase, but don't let that fool you into thinking the day stays dry.
The messy reality of today's forecast
If you’re planning to head out to Central Park or grab a coffee in the Village, you need to know that we are looking at a 100% chance of precipitation throughout the daytime. The forecast is calling for a mix of rain and snow.
Because the high is hitting 38°F, we aren't exactly looking at a winter wonderland situation where the snow sticks and everything looks like a postcard. It’s more likely to be that slushy, grey mess that splashes up when a yellow cab hits a pothole.
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- Current Temp: 34°F (Feels like 29°F)
- Today's High: 38°F
- Tonight's Low: 32°F
- Humidity: 84% (Yeah, it's damp)
- Wind: 6 to 7 mph coming from the southwest
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has already issued a Winter Operations Advisory. They’ve got hundreds of salt spreaders ready to go. Even though we aren't expecting massive accumulation today—maybe just a coating to an inch—the city is worried about the roads getting slick as that rain-snow mix starts falling.
What is the weather today in New York City and why is it so weird?
New Yorkers know that 34 degrees is the most annoying temperature possible. It’s the "in-between" stage. If it were 25 degrees, it would just be snow, and you’d wear your heavy boots. If it were 45, it would just be a rainy day. But at 34, you’re dealing with a slushy cocktail of moisture that ruins suede shoes and makes the subway stairs feel like a skating rink.
The humidity is sitting at 84% right now, which is why that 34 degrees feels much heavier. You’ve probably noticed that your skin feels colder than it did on a dry, windy day last week. That's the moisture in the air pulling heat away from your body.
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The timing you need to watch
The snow and rain mix is expected to be most concentrated during the early afternoon. By around 5 PM, most of the active precipitation should be wrapping up, leaving us with a cloudy evening.
Tonight, things settle down a bit, but the temperature drops to 32°F. That’s the freezing point, obviously. Anything that fell as rain or slush during the day has a very high chance of turning into a sheet of black ice overnight. If you're walking the dog late at night or coming home from dinner, watch your step on the sidewalks.
How to actually handle this weather
Don't be the person who wears sneakers today. You will regret it by the third block.
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- Waterproof is the only way: Even if it looks like light snow, it’s wet snow. Wear boots that can handle deep puddles at the street corners.
- Layers, but make them breathable: With 84% humidity, a heavy plastic raincoat will make you feel like you're in a sauna the moment you step into the subway. Go for wool or technical fabrics.
- Check the Sunday outlook: Today is just the first half of a two-system weekend. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is actually looking like it might bring more "real" snow—potentially 1 to 3 inches.
The wind isn't too crazy today—only about 6-7 mph—so you don't have to worry about your umbrella turning inside out every five minutes. But honestly, with the rain-snow mix, a hat and a hood are usually more effective than an umbrella in midtown anyway.
Basically, today is a day for indoor plans. If you have to be out, keep it brief and stay dry. The "mostly cloudy" sky isn't going anywhere, and the UV index is a big fat zero, so you can leave the sunglasses at home.
Practical next steps
If you're a New Yorker or just visiting, your best move right now is to double-check your Sunday morning plans. Since the DSNY is already salting and expecting more snow tomorrow, transit might get a little wonky. Sign up for Notify NYC alerts if you haven't yet; they’ll ping you if the alternate side parking rules change or if the bridges get particularly nasty. Keep your phone charged, stay off the roads if the slush starts building up, and definitely swap those fashionable shoes for something with actual grip.