If you looked out your window this morning and saw a sky the color of a wet sidewalk, you aren’t alone. New York is currently wrapped in a thick layer of "cloudy," and honestly, it’s about as January as it gets. Right now, the mercury is sitting at 36°F, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a brisk, manageable cold. With a 6 mph breeze coming up from the south, the feels-like temperature is a much sharper 31°F. Basically, it’s that damp, bone-chilling cold that manages to seep through even the best wool coat.
What's the weather for New York today and why is everyone talking about salt?
The big story for Saturday, January 17, 2026, isn't just the chill; it's the mess falling from the sky. While the current conditions are just "cloudy," the forecast for the rest of the day is calling for light rain with a significant twist. Even though the high for the day is expected to reach 39°F, there is an 83% chance of precipitation, and the National Weather Service is flagging "snow" as the primary type during the daytime hours.
It sounds weird, right? Rain and snow at 39 degrees?
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Welcome to the joy of "warm advection." Essentially, warmer air is moving in overhead, but the ground and the air right above it are still clinging to that overnight freeze. This creates a sloppy, slushy mix. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) isn't taking chances. They’ve already issued a Winter Operations Advisory. You might see some of those 700 salt spreaders roaming the avenues. They aren’t expecting "plowable" snow—accumulation in the city will likely be little to nothing—but they are terrified of the "flash freeze" on the bridges and bike lanes.
The Hour-by-Hour Slush Factor
If you’re planning to head out to Chelsea Market or just grab a coffee in Brooklyn, here is the vibe for the rest of the day:
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- Midday: The clouds stay heavy. Humidity is climbing toward 62%, making the air feel heavy.
- Afternoon: This is when that 83% chance of light rain/snow mix really kicks in. Expect wet streets and blurry windshields.
- Evening: Winds will pick up slightly to 8 mph from the south. The high of 39°F will start to drop back down toward a low of 33°F.
What about the suburbs?
If you’re commuting in from the Hudson Valley or North Jersey, your "what's the weather for New York today" answer looks a bit different. A Winter Weather Advisory is actually in effect until 4 PM for places like Western Passaic, Orange, and Putnam Counties. While the city gets rain and slush, those folks are looking at 1 to 4 inches of actual snow. If you're driving north on the Saw Mill or the Taconic later, be careful. The transition from "wet road" to "snow-covered road" is going to happen fast once you cross the city line.
Looking ahead: The Sunday Sneak Attack
Don’t get too comfortable with the "just rain" forecast. There is a coastal low-pressure system spinning its wheels for Sunday. Forecasters are getting more confident that Sunday afternoon could bring actual, honest-to-god snow accumulation to NYC and Long Island. We’re talking maybe an inch or two, but in this city, that’s enough to turn the Monday morning commute into a nightmare.
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And for the MLK Day travelers? Brace yourself. Monday night into Tuesday is going to be the coldest stretch of the week. We’re talking Canadian air dropping temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal.
Actionable Advice for New Yorkers Today
- Waterproof Your Feet: Today is not the day for suede boots. The mixture of melting salt, light rain, and slush will ruin them in three blocks. Wear the Luggs or the Bean Boots.
- Watch the "Black Ice": Even if it looks like just a puddle, that 31°F wind chill means elevated surfaces (like the High Line or the metal plates on the street) could be slick.
- Check the 311 App: Since there’s a Winter Operations Advisory, alternate side parking could be affected if the mix turns more toward snow, though currently, no changes are announced.
- Prepare for Sunday: If you have grocery shopping to do, do it today between the rain showers. You won't want to be out in the wind and potential snow tomorrow afternoon.
Stay warm, keep your umbrella handy for the "heavy mist" that's coming, and maybe grab an extra bag of salt for your stoop if you're a homeowner. January in New York is finally starting to act like it.