Basically, if you’re stepping out in New York today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, it’s going to be a bit of a mess. Forget those crisp, picturesque winter mornings you see in movies. Today is all about the "slop factor." We’re looking at a high of 38°F and a low of 31°F, which is that annoying sweet spot where nothing stays quite frozen but everything stays cold enough to be miserable.
Honestly, the city is already in "winter mode." The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) put out a Winter Operations Advisory starting at midnight. They’ve got over 700 salt spreaders out there because we’re expecting a mix of rain and snow. It’s not a major blizzard, but it’s enough to make the sidewalks a nightmare.
What's the weather like in New York today and what you should actually wear
Current conditions are sitting right at 34°F, but with the humidity around 61% and a light breeze from the south, it actually feels closer to 30°F. You’ve probably noticed the sky is just a flat, heavy gray. That’s because the chance of precipitation is sitting at a hefty 83% during the day. It's mostly going to be snow or a snow-rain mix, but don't expect to build a snowman. It’s likely to melt or turn into gray slush the second it hits the pavement.
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The wind and the "chill"
- Current Wind: 5 mph from the south.
- Forecasted Wind: Picking up to 10 mph from the southwest later today.
- Humidity: 72% daily average, making that cold air feel extra damp.
The "feels like" temperature is the real boss today. Even if the thermometer says 38°F later, that dampness and the 10 mph wind will keep things feeling pretty raw.
Why this weekend is weirder than usual
There is a massive polar vortex stretching across the country right now. While New York isn't getting the -20°F treatment that Chicago is facing for the Bears vs. Rams game, we are definitely feeling the edge of it. This vortex is basically a huge area of low pressure that usually sits at the poles but is currently sagging south, bringing frigid air that will stick around for the next week or two.
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Interestingly, there's even a minor G1 geomagnetic storm happening. If the clouds miraculously broke tonight—which they probably won't, as it's forecasted to be cloudy with only a 10% chance of late-night snow—you might have actually caught a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Space.com mentioned New York was on the "view line," but with our luck and these clouds, we’re just getting the slush.
Getting around the city
If you’re driving, watch out on the Thruway. There have already been reports of accidents involving tractor-trailers near Buffalo due to these same systems. Locally, the DSNY has 700 million pounds of salt ready to go. They’re using their "Bladerunner 2.0" GPS tracking to make sure the salt hits the streets before the ice forms tonight.
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One thing to remember: Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There’s no trash or recycling collection then. Since the weather is supposed to stay cold and potentially drop more snow Sunday night into Monday, expect some delays in clearing the secondary streets.
Actionable advice for New Yorkers today
Grab the waterproof boots. Seriously. Today is a "bean boots" or "Hunter boots" kind of day because the puddles at the corner of every crosswalk are going to be deep and icy.
- Check your commute: If you’re heading out of the city, the Thruway and major highways are already seeing slick spots.
- Layer up: Since it’s 34°F now but hitting 38°F, you’ll sweat in a heavy parka if you're walking much. Go with a waterproof shell over a fleece.
- Salt your sidewalk: If you own property, it’s your job to clear the snow/slush. Do it before the sun goes down, because that 31°F low tonight will turn today's melt into a sheet of black ice by tomorrow morning.
- Pet safety: It’s cold and the salt on the ground is harsh on paws. If your dog doesn't wear booties, make sure to wipe their paws down when you get back inside to get the chemicals off.
Stay dry and keep an eye on the sky; this polar vortex is just getting started.