New York — Damp sidewalks and steel-gray skies greet the morning, but a sharper winter shift is already lining up. What starts as nuisance rain around the city gives way to colder air, gusty winds, and a growing risk of slick travel by Friday.
Clouds hang tough early, with spotty showers possible. Temperatures hover in the upper 40s, keeping pavement wet rather than icy for now. That changes as colder air presses south. By later today and into the evening, showers become more widespread, setting the stage for a colder transition.
According to the National Weather Service, colder air arrives Thursday as winds turn west and strengthen. Rain may briefly mix with snow, especially north of Central Park and across higher elevations. Snow amounts stay light, but timing matters. As temperatures fall toward freezing, wet roads could quickly turn slick.
Thursday remains breezy and colder. Highs struggle near 41 before sliding downward through the afternoon. Wind chills dip into the 20s, making it feel sharply colder along bridges and open avenues. After sunset, temperatures drop fast.
Thursday night brings the highest concern. Lows fall near 24 degrees under partly cloudy skies. Any leftover moisture freezes solid. This raises the risk of black ice on untreated streets, sidewalks, and highway ramps, including stretches of the FDR Drive and I-95 corridors.
Friday turns bright but cold. Sunshine returns, yet highs reach only the mid-30s. Shaded areas stay icy through the morning commute. Friday night remains cold, with lows near 32 and lingering slick spots possible.
Saturday offers limited improvement. Clouds return, and a chance of rain develops late, possibly mixing with snow as colder air lingers. Highs reach near 41 before temperatures dip again overnight.
Looking ahead to Jan. 19–23, NOAA outlooks point to near-normal temperatures with increasing precipitation chances across the Northeast, signaling a more active winter pattern.
Heading out early or late? Watch for icy patches. Are streets slick where you are?
5-Day Weather Outlook: New York City, New York
- Today: Mostly cloudy, scattered showers. High near 48.
- Thursday: Breezy, colder. Slight snow chance. High near 41.
- Friday: Sunny and cold. High near 35.
- Saturday: Chance of rain, possibly mixed with snow. High near 41.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy and cold. High near 32.
