Honestly, if you’re living in Derby City right now, you already know the vibe. It is cold. Not just "grab a light jacket" cold, but that deep, biting Ohio Valley chill that makes you question why you left the house in the first place. As of Thursday afternoon, January 15, 2026, we are sitting right at 27°F, but with the wind coming out of the west, it feels more like 21°F.
The 10 day louisville weather outlook isn’t exactly screaming "spring break" either. We are looking at a classic Kentucky winter roller coaster where the temperatures bounce around just enough to keep the salt trucks on standby and your furnace working overtime.
The Immediate Forecast: Snow Flurries and Freezing Temps
Today is starting off with some sun, but don’t let that fool you. We’ve got a high of only 29°F and things are going to get even frostier tonight as we dip down to 18°F. There is a slight 20% chance of snow overnight. It’s the kind of dusting that probably won't shut down the city, but it'll definitely make the morning commute on I-64 a bit of a headache if you aren't careful.
Friday, January 16, brings a bit of a weird mix. We’re actually going to see the mercury climb up to 43°F, which sounds great until you realize it's bringing a messy "rain and snow" situation with it.
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The southwest wind is going to pick up to about 15 mph. Basically, it’s going to be one of those damp, gray Louisville days where you can’t decide if you need an umbrella or a snow shovel. Probably both.
Looking Into Next Week: The Deep Freeze Sets In
If you were hoping for a warm-up, Monday, January 19, is going to be a reality check. We’re looking at a high of only 23°F and a bone-chilling low of 10°F.
That is legit cold.
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Even with the sun out, that 15 mph west wind is going to make it feel like single digits. If you have outdoor pets or pipes that like to freeze, Monday night is the time to be proactive.
Mid-Week Fluctuations
- Tuesday, Jan 20: A bit better with a high of 30°F, but still starting the morning at a brutal 11°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: We jump back up to 43°F. This seesaw pattern is pretty typical for our region, usually driven by those clipper systems rolling through the Great Lakes.
- Thursday, Jan 22: We hold steady in the high 30s.
Will We See a Big Snow Event?
The big question everyone asks during a 10 day louisville weather window is always about the "Big One." Right now, the most significant moisture appears to be lining up for Friday, January 23.
We’re looking at a 65% chance of snow Friday night with a low of 33°F. Because we’re hovering right at that freezing mark, it could easily turn into a slushy mess or a decent accumulation depending on exactly where that cold air sits. Saturday, January 24, keeps the "snow showers" theme going with a high of 39°F and a 40% chance of precipitation during the day.
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The humidity is expected to hang around 78% late next week, which usually means the air will feel heavy and the snow will be that wet, heart-attack-inducing kind that's great for snowmen but terrible for driveways.
Navigating the Louisville Winter
It’s worth noting that these January patterns in Louisville are often influenced by La Niña setups, which we’ve been seeing lately. Historically, this means we get more "active" weather—more frequent shifts between cold dry air and moist systems coming up from the Gulf.
The National Weather Service has already been flagging these gusty northwest winds earlier this week, and that trend of "wind chill over actual temp" is going to be the dominant story for the rest of the month.
Basically, keep the heavy coat at the front of the closet. You're going to need it for at least eight of the next ten days.
Next Steps for Staying Warm:
- Check your tire pressure: These 20-degree temperature swings are notorious for triggering that annoying low-pressure light on your dashboard.
- Drip the faucets: Especially on Monday night when we hit that 10°F mark.
- Layer up: Focus on wind-resistant outer layers, as the west/southwest winds will be consistent between 10-15 mph for most of the week.