Frigid Temperatures Persist in New York City

Despite a brief rise above freezing, the cold weather continues to grip the city

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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Though the temperature in New York City briefly rose above freezing on Monday, ending a 10-day streak of below-freezing temperatures, the weather still felt bitterly cold to many residents. Meteorologists say the city has been experiencing "constant reinforcements of Arctic air" since late January, with some days not even reaching 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold weather has made everyday tasks like snow removal especially challenging.

Why it matters

The prolonged cold snap has been disruptive for New Yorkers, making basic activities like commuting and running errands more difficult and dangerous. It has also impacted events like the annual Groundhog Day ceremony at the Staten Island Zoo, where the resident groundhog saw its shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

The details

On Monday, the temperature in Central Park finally rose above freezing, reaching 33 degrees Fahrenheit around 1:30 pm. However, many residents said they didn't notice the slight warmup, as the cold weather had become the new normal. "There's only one job you can do in this weather, and everyone's doing it — moving snow," said Jakob Hostetter, who works for the Central Park Conservancy. Meteorologist David Stark said the city had remained frigid due to "constant reinforcements of Arctic air" since late January, with some days not even reaching 20 degrees.

  • On January 23, the cold snap began in New York City.
  • On Friday, the high temperature was only 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • On Saturday and Sunday, the high temperature was 24.1 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • On Monday, the temperature briefly rose above freezing, reaching 33 degrees Fahrenheit around 1:30 pm.

The players

Jakob Hostetter

An employee of the Central Park Conservancy's Five Borough Program who spent most of Monday in St. Nicholas Park.

David Stark

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Ed Burke

The chief of staff at the Staten Island Zoo.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City.

Bill de Blasio

A former mayor of New York City.

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What they’re saying

“There's only one job you can do in this weather, and everyone's doing it — moving snow.”

— Jakob Hostetter, Central Park Conservancy employee

“I like living in New York, where we have seasons, but I think people would welcome above-freezing temperatures going forward. Whatever nature brings, it would be a relief if it's above freezing.”

— Ed Burke, Chief of staff, Staten Island Zoo

“It was idiocy. Why would you want an elected official to hold a groundhog?”

— Bill de Blasio, Former mayor of New York City

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.