It is cold. Really cold. If you stepped outside in Augusta today, January 16, 2026, you already know that "chilly" doesn't quite cover it. We’re currently sitting at a biting 17°F.
Honestly, the air feels like it wants to freeze your eyelashes shut.
Most people check the weather and just see numbers, but in Maine, these numbers dictate whether you're spending twenty minutes chipping ice off a windshield or if you’re actually going to make it to work on time. Tonight, the wind is barely a whisper—just a 2 mph breeze coming from the southeast—but don't let that fool you. The humidity is hanging high at 63%, making that cold sink right into your bones.
The Augusta Maine Weather Report: Breaking Down the Shift
The vibe is about to change. If you've lived here long enough, you know that a quiet, cloudy night usually means something is brewing.
Right now, it's overcast. The UV index is a flat zero because, well, it’s nighttime in the middle of a Maine winter. But as we look toward Saturday, January 17, things are getting messy. We are looking at a 65% chance of snow during the day.
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It isn't a "shut down the city" kind of storm, but it’s enough to make the roads slick and the Kennebec River look like a scene from a gothic novel.
What to expect in the next 24 hours:
- Current Temp: 17°F (Cloudy)
- Saturday High: 31°F (Snow likely)
- Saturday Low: 18°F
- Wind: Shifting to the South at 5 mph tomorrow
You've probably noticed that 31°F feels almost "warm" compared to the single digits we sometimes see this time of year. But that's the trap. That temperature range is exactly where the snow gets heavy and wet. It’s the kind of snow that turns to slush under your tires and then freezes into concrete-hard ruts the second the sun goes down.
Why January in Augusta is a Different Beast
January 15th is statistically the day we hit our lowest average high of the year, usually around 28°F. We are right in the thick of it. Historically, Augusta has seen some wild swings on this specific date. Back in 1962, the city bottomed out at a terrifying -23°F.
We aren't there today, thank goodness, but the consistency of the gray sky is classic Maine. We average about 53% cloud cover this month. Basically, if you see the sun for more than four hours, it’s a good day.
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Is it actually snowing more than usual? Not really. While the Northeast is seeing some milder trends overall this year, our local "wet days"—days with at least 0.04 inches of liquid equivalent—actually start to decrease as we head toward February.
Staying Alive (And On the Road)
Look, I'm not your mom, but if you're driving Route 202 or hitting the I-95 interchange tomorrow morning, you need to be smart.
The snow chance jumps to 65% during the day and lingers at 25% into the night. That means your evening commute is going to be a gamble.
Pro-tip from a local: If you haven't swapped your washer fluid for the -30°F rated stuff yet, do it now. The standard blue stuff will freeze right on your wiper blades when you're trying to clear salt spray at 60 mph. It’s terrifying.
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Also, keep your gas tank at least half full. It’s not just about not running out of gas; it’s about adding weight to your back end and preventing fuel line freeze-ups.
Your Actionable Weekend Checklist:
- Clear the roof: Don't be that person. If you leave a foot of snow on your car, it becomes a literal ice missile for the person driving behind you.
- Check your tires: Cold air makes pressure drop. If your "low tire" light is on, don't ignore it.
- Plan for Saturday: The snow is coming. If you don't have to be out during the 65% precipitation window, stay home and make some chowder.
The humidity is going to spike to 83% tomorrow. That means the snow will be sticky. Great for snowmen, terrible for shoveling. Pace yourself out there.
Augusta is tough, and we’ve handled worse than 17 degrees and a few inches of powder. Just keep your eyes on the forecast and maybe put an extra blanket in the trunk. You know, just in case.