You’ve seen the gray sky over the Hudson this morning and probably thought, "Here we go again." New York City is currently sitting at a crisp 34°F, but it’s that damp, heavy kind of cold that feels more like 30°F when the breeze hits you. Honestly, it’s a classic January morning in the city where the air feels like it’s holding its breath before something happens.
If you're looking at the skyline and wondering if you need the heavy boots or just the umbrella, the answer is: probably both. We are looking at a high of 38°F today, but don't let that "above freezing" number fool you. There is an 83% chance of light rain during the day, which, in NYC terms, usually means a slushy mess on the street corners of Midtown.
The Reality of Today's NYC Weather Forecast
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) isn't taking any chances today. They’ve already issued a Winter Operations Advisory starting at midnight. While we aren't talking about a massive blizzard—save the panic for another time—the city has over 700 salt spreaders on standby. Why? Because that light rain is expected to mix with a bit of "wintry" drama as temperatures hover right on the edge.
Basically, the "Strongest" (as we call our sanitation workers) are worried about black ice. Even if the snow doesn't stick, that southern wind blowing at 5 mph is going to keep things feeling raw.
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What You Need to Know for Your Saturday Plans
- Current Temp: 34°F (Feels like 30°F).
- Daytime High: 38°F with light rain likely.
- Humidity: Sitting around 61% right now, climbing toward 72% later.
- Wind: Shifting from South to a Southwest flow at about 10 mph by afternoon.
The UV index is a flat zero. You won't see the sun today, so if you were planning on a "light-filled" brunch photo in the West Village, you're going to need some serious filters.
Is Snow Actually Coming?
Everyone asks the same thing the moment the sky turns that specific shade of New York "concrete gray." For today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the daytime is mostly a rain story. However, as we head into tonight, the low drops to 31°F. There’s a 10% chance of snow overnight. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make the Sunday morning dog walk a bit slippery.
The real talk among local meteorologists isn't actually about today—it's about the "Polar Vortex" everyone is whispering about. Reports from Fox Weather and the NWS are suggesting a massive stretch of frigid air is moving in for the end of the month. We’re talking weeks of cold that could make today's 34°F feel like a heatwave.
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Why Today Feels Different
- The "Feel Like" Factor: 30°F is the real number for your outfit choice.
- Pavement Conditions: DSNY has 700 million pounds of salt ready. If they're worried, you should be careful on those steel subway grates.
- Travel Alerts: No major changes to the MTA yet, but "wet rail" conditions usually mean those outdoor Q train platforms are going to be miserable.
A Quick Word on the Holiday Weekend
Since Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, keep in mind that trash and recycling collection is paused. If you're planning a long weekend getaway, keep an eye on Sunday. While today is just a "light rain/slush" situation, the DSNY is tracking a separate, potentially more annoying winter event for tomorrow.
New Yorkers are used to this. You walk out, see the clouds, and just accept that your shoes will be slightly damp by 4 p.m. It’s sort of our January ritual.
Actionable Advice for Navigating the City Today
Don't trust the 38°F high. That temperature usually peaks for about twenty minutes and then vanishes. Wear a waterproof outer layer; a wool coat will just soak up the mist and make you smell like a wet rug by the time you reach the office or the restaurant.
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If you are driving, especially on the BQE or the Henry Hudson Parkway, watch for those "damp" spots. With the DSNY out salting, the roads might look just wet, but they can get slick fast as the sun goes down and that 31°F low starts to creep in.
Today’s Checklist:
- Footwear: Water-resistant is mandatory.
- Electronics: Keep your phone charged; cold air and high humidity drain batteries faster than you’d think.
- Commute: Check the NotifyNYC app if you're crossing bridges; wind gusts of 10 mph aren't huge, but they make the bike lanes on the Manhattan Bridge feel pretty sketchy.
Stay warm, stay dry, and maybe grab an extra espresso. You’re going to need it to deal with this gloom.