Honestly, if you're standing on a corner in Midtown right now waiting for the L train or trying to hail a cab, you already know the answer: it’s cold. Like, really cold.
As of Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, the current temperature in New York is 32°F.
It’s that classic, biting New York winter morning where the air feels heavy and the humidity—which is sitting at a whopping 92%—makes the freezing mark feel even more intense. We aren't just dealing with a "dry cold" here. It’s the kind of damp chill that seeped through my wool coat earlier today and made me regret not wearing the heavy-duty thermals.
👉 See also: Finding the University of Arizona Address: It Is Not as Simple as You Think
The Snow Situation is Real
Basically, we are right in the middle of a light to moderate snow event. It’s not a full-blown blizzard that shuts down the city (yet), but there’s an 87% chance of precipitation right now. If you look out the window, you’ll likely see those wet, heavy flakes that turn to slush the second they hit the heated grates on the sidewalk.
The wind is surprisingly quiet, coming from the south at only 2 mph, which is probably the only reason the "feels like" temp isn't plummeting into the teens. But don't let that fool you into thinking the day stays this manageable.
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
What to Expect for the Rest of Today
You've gotta plan for a messy Sunday. Even though we’re hovering at the freezing mark right now, the high is only going to hit 34°F. That’s a razor-thin margin between snow and freezing rain.
- Daytime Forecast: Expect a high of 34°F with an 89% chance of snow.
- The Wind Shift: Later today, the wind is expected to pick up to about 7 mph from the north, which is going to bring in much colder air.
- Tonight’s Low: It’s going to drop down to 23°F.
If you're out and about, watch your step on the subway stairs. Those metal edges get incredibly slick when the humidity is this high and the snow is falling.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
Looking Ahead: The Big Freeze is Coming
What most people get wrong about New York winters is thinking that once the snow stops, the "hard part" is over. Actually, the next few days are going to be much more brutal in terms of raw temperature.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, we’re looking at a high of 32°F, but the low is going to crash down to 15°F. By Tuesday, it gets even crazier with a high of only 21°F and a low of 14°F. Basically, the slush we're seeing right now is going to freeze solid by Tuesday morning.
Actionable Tips for New Yorkers Today
- Check 311 for Heat Issues: It’s a Code Blue in the city. If your landlord isn't keeping the building at at least 68°F during the day, report it.
- Ditch the Fashion Boots: With 92% humidity and active snow, leather soles are a death wish. Wear something with rubber grips.
- Salt Your Walkway: If you own a brownstone or a shop, get the salt down before that 23°F drop tonight, or you’ll be chipping away ice for a week.
Stay warm out there. It’s officially "real winter" in the city, and while 32°F is the number on your phone, the slush on the ground says a lot more about your commute than the thermometer does.