If you’re stepping out in Kent County this week, don’t let that brief flash of warmth fool you. Honestly, Delaware winters are famous for being indecisive, but the 7 day forecast dover delaware is taking "mood swings" to a whole new level starting today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
We’re basically looking at a massive 25-degree temperature crash in under 24 hours.
The Immediate Outlook: Warmth Before the Wall
Today is weirdly nice. You’ve probably noticed it’s pushing toward a high of 54°F. That’s almost ten degrees above the typical January average for the First State. It feels like a gift, right?
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Well, keep your heavy coat nearby. By tonight, things get messy. We’re expecting a rain-snow mix as the temperature bottoms out at 37°F. It’s that classic Mid-Atlantic "slop"—not quite a winter wonderland, just wet and cold enough to make the 13 through town a nightmare for the evening commute.
Thursday, January 15, is where the reality check hits hard. The high struggles to reach 35°F. Most of the day will be "partly sunny," which is just meteorologist-speak for "bring a scarf because the wind is going to bite." We’re looking at west winds around 17 mph, making that 35 feel more like the low 20s. Speaking of 20s, Thursday night drops to 22°F.
Weekend Vibes: Dry, Bright, and Frigid
If you were planning a trip to the Amish Market or a walk around the Green, Saturday is your best bet for actual "weather," even if it’s chilly. Friday stays crisp and sunny with a high of 37°F, but Saturday, January 17, brings a slight bump back up to 43°F.
Wait, there’s a catch.
There is a 65% chance of light rain or snow flurries on Saturday. It won’t be a blizzard. It’s more like that annoying mist that ruins your car wash.
Sunday, January 18, turns the freezer back on. We’re looking at:
- A daytime high of only 34°F.
- Clear skies but significant wind chill.
- Overnight lows dipping back to 23°F.
Basically, if you’re heading to Legislative Mall for a Sunday stroll, dress like you’re going to the Arctic.
Why Dover’s January Is So Unpredictable
Most people think Delaware is flat and easy to predict, but being tucked between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean creates this strange microclimate. According to historical data from the National Weather Service and local stations like Dover Air Force Base, January is statistically our cloudiest month. We spend about 51% of the time under overcast skies.
This week follows that pattern perfectly. We have a mix of maritime air trying to keep us warm and polar air pushing down from the northwest. When they collide over Dover, you get the "Dover Slop"—that gray, drizzly, neither-here-nor-there weather that makes you want to stay inside with a bowl of scrapple.
The 7 Day Breakdown at a Glance
| Date | High/Low | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jan 14 | 54° / 37° | Cloudy, then Rain/Snow late |
| Thu, Jan 15 | 35° / 22° | Partly Sunny & Windy |
| Fri, Jan 16 | 37° / 23° | Sunny but Cold |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 43° / 32° | Light Rain/Snow chance |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 34° / 23° | Cloudy and Chilly |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 39° / 23° | Sunny |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 27° / 22° | Frigid and Partly Sunny |
Survival Tips for the Week Ahead
The biggest mistake people make in Dover during a week like this is underestimating the wind. Because there aren't many hills to break it up, a 15 mph wind across the flat fields of Kent County can drop the "feels like" temperature significantly.
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Check your tire pressure. Seriously. These 20-degree drops in temperature are notorious for triggering those annoying "low pressure" sensors on your dashboard.
If you’re commuting toward Wilmington or down to the beaches, watch the overpasses on Thursday morning. With the rain-snow mix tonight and the freeze tomorrow, those bridges will get slick way before the main roads do.
Keep an eye on Tuesday, January 20. It’s shaping up to be the coldest day of the stretch, with a high that won't even break 27°F. That’s deep-winter territory even for us.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Layer up for Thursday: The transition from Wednesday’s 54°F to Thursday’s 35°F is a shock to the system; use moisture-wicking base layers if you're working outdoors.
- Salt your walkways tonight: Before the rain-snow mix turns into a sheet of ice early Thursday morning, get some ice melt down on your porch and steps.
- Check your antifreeze: With Tuesday’s high barely hitting 27°F, ensure your vehicle is ready for a sustained hard freeze.