The new year will begin the same way 2025 is expected to end: cold.
Tuesday’s temperatures aren’t expect to rise far above freezing with lows hitting 26 degrees accompanied by stiff winds and late snow flurries.
The National Weather Service says New Yorkers lining up to watch the Times Square ball drop Wednesday can expect a high of 35 degrees in the afternoon with winds coming in at 16 mph.
Though viewing areas open at 3 p.m., Times Square organizers say the New Year’s Eve celebration begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. when the ball is raised at Broadway and 43rd Street.
Evening temperatures will fall to a low of 25 degrees followed by possible snowfall after 1 a.m. to kick off 2026, though significant accumulation is unlikely.
Times Square revelers will notice a significant difference from last year’s ball drop when temperatures were around 46 degrees at midnight and accompanied by late evening thunderstorms, according to historical weather data from NWS.
Thursday’s temperatures on Coney Island, where the Polar Bear Club takes its annual Jan. 1 plunge, will hit a high of 30 degrees, according to the Weather Channel. Thursday night’s low in the city should again be around 26 degrees with the mercury struggling to get above the freezing mark Friday.
Those seeking shelter can call 311 to find warming centers should winter weather become extreme. Libraries, community centers and shelters like the Mainchance Drop-In Center at 120 E. 32nd Street offer shelter for those in need. That operation is run by the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation, which says its reach “extends throughout NYC.”
Evening temperatures through the end of the week will be in the mid-to-high 20s.
Despite a few clouds, weekend skies should be dry until Sunday night when Accuweather forecasts snow or sleet to start the first full week of the new year. Weekend highs will be around 35 degrees.
