Honestly, if you’re living in Clinton right now, you already know the drill. You step outside, the wind hits your face, and suddenly you're questioning every life choice that led you to the banks of the Mississippi in the dead of winter. It’s cold. Like, "don't-leave-your-coffee-in-the-car" cold.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re staring down a high of 17°F. That sounds almost manageable until you look at the "feels like" temp, which is sitting at a bone-chilling 1°F. We’ve got light snow showers moving through with a west wind kicking at 14 mph. It’s basically the quintessential Iowa winter day where the sky is a flat shade of Tupperware gray and everything feels slightly damp and frozen at the same time.
The Immediate Clinton Iowa Weather Forecast
If you’re planning your week, don’t expect a sudden tropical heatwave. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, looks pretty similar with a high of 19°F and a low that dips down to -2°F. Yeah, sub-zero. We’re looking at more clouds and about a 20% chance of snow, which in Clinton usually means just enough to make the driveway annoying but not enough to actually enjoy.
Then comes Monday. Monday, January 19, is going to be a rough one. The high is only hitting 4°F. I’m not kidding. With a low of -3°F and 17 mph winds from the west, you’re going to want to double-up on the wool socks. It’s that dry, biting cold that makes your tires feel like square blocks for the first three miles of your commute.
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Is This Normal for Clinton in January?
Basically, yes. Historically, January is the month where Clinton really earns its stripes. According to data from the National Weather Service and historical averages from the Clinton Municipal Airport (KCWI), our typical January highs hover around 30°F, while lows usually sit near 15°F.
We are currently well below those averages.
We’ve seen some wild stuff in the past, though. Did you know the record low for Clinton in January is a terrifying -29°F? That happened back when records were being etched into stone (okay, maybe not that long ago, but it feels like it). Compared to that, our current 16°F "balmy" afternoon is almost a gift.
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Understanding the "River Effect"
Living in a river town changes the vibe of the weather. The Mississippi doesn't just provide a nice view; it influences the humidity and how the wind feels when it sweeps across the water. Today’s humidity is at 70%, which is why the cold feels like it’s actually seeping into your marrow rather than just sitting on your skin.
You've probably noticed that the snow here can be unpredictable too. While we're only expecting a "dusting" or less than an inch today, the wind-blown nature of Clinton’s terrain means drifts can pile up in places you’d never expect.
Looking Ahead: The Mid-Week "Thaw"
If you can survive the deep freeze of Monday, things start to look up—sorta.
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- Tuesday, Jan 20: High of 24°F. Still cloudy, still gray, but at least it's double digits.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: High of 28°F. This is the peak of our "warm" streak for the week.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Back down to 24°F.
The UV index is staying at a solid 0 or 1, so don't worry about a sunburn. Do worry about your Vitamin D levels, because the sun is basically a myth at this point in the month.
Real Talk for Navigating the Week
You’ve gotta be smart when the temps drop this low. Modern cars handle the cold better than the old clunkers of the 90s, but a battery can still give up the ghost when it hits -2°F on Sunday night. If your battery is more than three or four years old, maybe give it a check.
Also, keep an eye on those west winds. They are consistent this week, ranging from 7 to 17 mph. If you’re walking the dog near the riverfront, that wind chill is going to be significantly sharper than what you’ll feel tucked away in the residential neighborhoods.
What you should do right now:
- Check your car’s antifreeze levels before Monday’s 4°F high.
- Keep a shovel and some salt by the door; these 20% snow chances have a habit of turning into slick stairs overnight.
- Layer up. Seriously. The jump from 19°F on Sunday to 4°F on Monday is a shock to the system.
- Ensure your outdoor pets have heated water bowls or are brought inside, as sub-zero lows are no joke.