January 2026 Climate Recap Shows Sustained Cold Across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as Winter Runs Well Below Normal
UNITED STATES — January 2026 closed out with consistently colder-than-normal temperatures across the Northeast, reinforcing a broader pattern of below-average conditions that has defined the opening months of meteorological winter. New climate data shows all six primary climate sites across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut averaged between 2.3°F and 3.6°F below normal, signaling a widespread and persistent cold regime rather than isolated Arctic intrusions.
According to the January 2026 Climate Card released by the National Weather Service, every major reporting location finished the month colder than its long-term average, with several sites ranking among the colder Januarys in their historical records.
Temperatures Averaged Well Below Normal Across All Reporting Sites
Data from six major Northeast climate stations shows a uniform departure below normal:
- Central Park, New York: Average temperature 30.4°F, finishing 3.3°F below normal
- JFK Airport: Average temperature 29.8°F, 3.0°F below normal
- LaGuardia Airport: Average temperature 30.8°F, 3.6°F below normal
- Islip, New York: Average temperature 29.6°F, 2.3°F below normal
- Newark, New Jersey: Average temperature 30.1°F, 2.7°F below normal
- Bridgeport, Connecticut: Average temperature 28.7°F, 2.7°F below normal
These departures confirm that January was not just briefly cold, but persistently colder than average across the entire region.
Coldest Readings Reinforced Winter’s Grip
Several sites recorded notably low minimum temperatures, emphasizing the depth of the cold air masses involved:
- Islip: Low of 0°F on January 31
- Central Park: Low of 9°F on January 24 and 30
- Kennedy Airport: Low of 9°F on January 30–31
- LaGuardia: Low of 10°F on January 24
- Newark: Low of 5°F on January 31
- Bridgeport: Low of 5°F on January 31
Despite occasional brief warmups, cold air quickly re-established itself, keeping average temperatures suppressed throughout the month.
January Ranked Among Colder Historical Outcomes
Temperature rankings further highlight how unusual the month was in a long-term context:
- Central Park: 56th coldest January on record
- JFK Airport: 21st coldest January
- LaGuardia Airport: 27th coldest January
- Islip: 25th coldest January
- Newark: 78th coldest January
- Bridgeport: 28th coldest January
With climate records at some sites extending back to the late 1800s, these rankings underscore the significance of the cold pattern.
Snowfall Ran Well Above Normal at Several Locations
While precipitation totals were generally below normal, snowfall significantly exceeded average values, adding to winter’s overall impact:
- Central Park: 13.9 inches, 5.1 inches above normal
- JFK Airport: 13.0 inches, 5.5 inches above normal
- LaGuardia: 13.0 inches, 4.4 inches above normal
- Islip: 14.9 inches, 4.6 inches above normal
- Newark: 16.7 inches, 7.6 inches above normal
- Bridgeport: 21.4 inches, 12.9 inches above normal
Bridgeport saw the most dramatic departure, with nearly 13 inches above average snowfall, reinforcing how colder temperatures translated directly into increased winter precipitation efficiency.
Winter Pattern Established Early and Remains Intact
With January averaging 2.3°F to 3.6°F below normal across all six sites, meteorologists note that the first two months of meteorological winter are now firmly below average temperature-wise. This suggests a broader-scale pattern favoring sustained cold rather than short-lived Arctic outbreaks.
As February begins, forecasters continue to monitor whether this colder-than-normal regime persists or gradually relaxes later in the season.
What are you seeing where you live — has this winter felt colder than usual? Share your experience and stay connected with WaldronNews.com for continued winter weather coverage and climate updates.