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Life-threatening freeze sets in over NYC area into next week, forecast says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Jan 27, 2026
Modified Jan 27, 2026
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Spencer Platt / Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Jan 27, 2026
Modified Jan 27, 2026
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New Yorkers will have to deal with below-freezing temperatures for at least another week — and potentially more snow over the weekend — meteorologists said Tuesday.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the 20s and teens through at least Monday, according to the National Weather Service. That would make for a stretch of at least nine days where the thermometer stays below 32 degrees.
The coldest of those days could be Friday, which will have highs in the upper teens, NWS said.
A developing storm could dump more snow on the region this weekend, but forecasters said the details are still in flux.
“There are some model guidance that brings snow back into the area, and there are just as many models that keep this system offshore, keeping us dry,” said Brian Ciemnecki at NWS.
City officials said the dangerous cold may have contributed to the deaths of 10 people found outdoors between Saturday and Monday across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said several of them previously had contact with the city’s shelter system, though he noted on Monday it was still too early to “share a broader diagnosis or a cause of death.”
One of those who died was a 90-year-old Crown Heights woman whose family and neighbors said she had dementia and wandered outside overnight Sunday. She was discovered the next morning halfway down the block in the backyard of another building, wearing only her blue nightgown, a headscarf and one sock as a small white shawl lay on the ground next to her, neighbors said.
“We don’t yet know whether every case will be ruled hypothermia, but we need every New Yorker to be on alert, looking out for their neighbors,” Mamdani said at a press conference Tuesday, noting the city is increasing outreach to homeless residents. “This is the coldest weather conditions that we have experienced in this city for eight years.”
Mamdani urged New Yorkers to call 311 if they believe someone outside in the cold needs help. All such calls will be rerouted to 911 as the city remains under a Code Blue, the emergency protocol when temperatures drop below freezing through the night.
City shelters have an open-door policy during Code Blue periods, meaning no one is turned away. The city has also opened more than a dozen warming centers, which are open to anyone in need during the freezing weather.
The city’s Emergency Management agency has been warning New Yorkers about other hazards from extreme cold, including frozen pipes, icy roads and cars having trouble starting.
Another surge of Arctic air was expected to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, with wind chills falling below zero by Wednesday morning, the agency said.
“These are life-threatening conditions for anyone exposed for more than a short time,” Emergency Management tweeted, along with tips on how to stay warm and safe. “This is a prolonged and severe cold event. Taking precautions now matters.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
Tagged
Winter Storm January 2026
new york city
public safety
weather
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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