NYC Faces Longest Deep Freeze in 65 Years

Bitter cold expected to last until early February

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City is poised to endure its longest deep freeze in 65 years, with temperatures expected to remain at or below 32 degrees for 15 straight days - the longest such streak since the late 1800s. The last time the city experienced such consistent frigid temperatures was in 1961, when the record of 16 days was set.

Why it matters

This prolonged cold snap is highly unusual for New York City, which typically experiences more moderate winter weather. The extended deep freeze could have significant impacts on residents, businesses, and infrastructure, underscoring the need for preparation and mitigation strategies to cope with extreme cold weather events.

The details

Temperatures in New York City have not risen above 32 degrees since January 24th, and forecasts call for another week of days in the mid-20s and nights in the teens and single digits. The last time the city endured such a 15-day streak of 32 degrees or below was in the late 1800s, with the current record of 16 days set in 1961.

  • Temperatures have not risen above 32 degrees since January 24th.
  • The cold snap is expected to last until February 7th, a 15-day streak.
  • The current record of 16 days was set in 1961.

The players

AccuWeather

A weather forecasting company that provided the details on the historic cold snap in New York City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather patterns and provide updates on when the deep freeze is expected to finally break in New York City.

The takeaway

This prolonged cold spell underscores the need for New Yorkers to be prepared for extreme winter weather events, which may become more frequent and severe due to climate change. City officials and residents should review emergency plans and take steps to protect vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure.