Right now in Carrollton, it is 49°F.
Honestly, if you stepped outside two hours ago, you probably wouldn't recognize the place. We’ve been riding a serious meteorological roller coaster today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. One minute you're hunting for a heavy parka, and the next, you’re basically reconsidering if a light sweater is even necessary.
The air is dry—like, 23% humidity dry. You’ve probably noticed your skin feeling a bit tight or that static shock when you grab the door handle. That’s the high-pressure system sitting over North Texas doing its thing. Even though the mercury says 49°F, the "feels like" temperature is actually hovering at 46°F because of a light 7 mph breeze coming from the south.
What Is The Temperature Right Now and Why Is It Changing So Fast?
If you feel like the weather is gaslighting you, you aren't alone. We started this morning with a low of 26°F. That is a hard freeze, the kind that makes you worry about your outdoor pipes and that one succulent you forgot to bring inside. But by this afternoon, we are aiming for a high of 58°F.
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That is a 32-degree swing in a single day.
This kind of volatility is classic North Texas winter behavior. We are currently in what's statistically the coldest part of the year for Carrollton. According to data from the National Weather Service, mid-January is when the "Arctic gate" usually stays open, but today, we are seeing a brief reprieve. The sun is out in full force, and the UV index is sitting at a 3. It's not "burn your nose" levels of sun, but it’s enough to soak up some Vitamin D while the sky stays perfectly clear.
The Science Behind the Chill
Why does 49°F feel colder than it should? It’s the dew point. When the humidity is this low, your body's sweat evaporates almost instantly, which pulls heat away from your skin.
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Also, look at the wind. A south wind usually brings warmth, but at 7 mph, it's just enough to cut through a thin shirt. If you're heading out to the park or over to the Historic Downtown Carrollton area, you'll want layers.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
People often assume that if it's 26°F at 7:00 AM, the whole day is a wash. That’s rarely true here.
In fact, the "Big Swing" is a survival skill for locals. You leave the house in a heavy coat, throw it in the backseat by noon, and by sunset—which is happening around 5:46 PM today—you're reaching for it again.
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- Morning: 26°F (Frigid, frost on windshields)
- Midday: 49°F (Currently where we are, crisp but manageable)
- Peak: 58°F (Approaching late afternoon)
By tonight, we’re dropping back down to a chilly 26°F. It’s a literal loop of freezing and thawing. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, looks a bit more "gray." We’re looking at a high of 52°F with mostly cloudy skies. It’s going to feel significantly gloomier than today's bright sunshine.
Getting Ready for the Week Ahead
The rest of the week stays in that mid-50s sweet spot. We’re seeing highs of 55°F on Tuesday and jumping back up to 58°F on Wednesday. However, Wednesday is when things get a bit messy. There’s a 35% chance of rain during the day, so that dry air we’re enjoying right now is going to disappear, replaced by a much stickier 76% humidity.
If you’re planning your week, here is the move:
- Check your tire pressure. These 30-degree temperature swings cause air to contract and expand, often triggering that annoying "low tire" light on your dashboard.
- Hydrate your skin. With 23% humidity today, your moisture barrier is taking a hit.
- Plan for the Wednesday rain. It’s not a washout, but it’ll be enough to make the commute on I-35E a headache.
Basically, enjoy the sun while it's here. The "temperature right now" of 49°F is the bridge between a frozen morning and a pleasant afternoon. Grab a coffee, keep a jacket in the car, and don't be surprised when it's freezing again by dinner time.
Keep an eye on the wind direction shifting to the northeast tomorrow; that's going to bring in the cloud cover and keep the "feels like" temps much lower than today's sunny 49°F.