Right now, if you step outside in Durham, you’re feeling the bite of a true North Carolina winter morning. Honestly, the current temperature Durham NC is sitting at exactly 33°F.
It’s that specific kind of cold where the air feels thin and the sky looks almost too blue to be this chilly. While 33 degrees might sound like just another number on your phone, the reality on the ground is a bit more complicated. Because of a steady 7 mph breeze coming out of the southwest, the "feels like" temperature is actually pinned at 26°F. That’s a seven-degree tax on your comfort just for the wind existing.
Basically, if you aren't wearing a heavy coat and maybe some gloves, the walk from the Brightleaf parking lot to your office is going to be miserable.
The Ground Truth of Today's Forecast
We’ve got a mostly sunny situation happening, but don’t let the brightness fool you. The humidity is hanging out at 37%, which is pretty dry for our neck of the woods. It gives the air that crisp, almost electric feel.
Here is the breakdown of what the rest of this Friday, January 16, 2026, looks like:
- Today's High: We’re aiming for 42°F. It’s not exactly "balmy," but compared to 26, we’ll take it.
- Tonight’s Drop: Brace yourself, because it’s going to bottom out at 21°F.
- Wind Factor: It’s expected to kick up to 11 mph later, so that evening chill will be aggressive.
- Precipitation: There is a 0% chance of snow during the day, though some areas are whispering about a 5% chance of rain late tonight. Basically, don't hold your breath for a snow day.
Why Durham Winters Are So Weird
If you’ve lived in the Bull City for more than a week, you know the weather here has an identity crisis. One day you’re in a t-shirt at Fullsteam, and the next you’re digging a frost scraper out of your trunk.
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Historically, January is our coldest month. The average high is usually around 51°F, which makes today’s high of 42°F feel significantly under-par. We are currently about 9 degrees colder than the historical "normal."
Experts at the North Carolina State Climate Office often point out that Durham sits in a unique spot in the Piedmont. We get these "cold air damming" events where chilly air gets trapped against the mountains and spills over into our lap. It’s why we often stay colder than places just a bit further east.
What You Actually Need to Wear Today
Forget the light hoodies. You’ve gotta go with layers.
I’m talking a base layer, a solid sweater, and a wind-resistant outer shell. Because that southwest wind is coming at 7-11 mph, anything knit is just going to let the cold right through to your skin.
Also, the UV index is low (sitting at a 1 or 2), so while you won't get a sunburn, the sun isn't providing much "radiant heat" either. It’s mostly just for decoration today.
The "Dry Cold" Myth
People talk about "dry cold" like it’s a gift from the desert. In Durham, a 37% humidity level at 33°F just means your skin is going to feel like parchment paper by noon. It’s the kind of weather that makes your knuckles crack if you aren't hitting the lotion.
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Compared to the 67% average humidity we usually see year-round, today is exceptionally dry. This is actually a bigger deal than the temperature for things like static electricity and, believe it or not, wildfire risk. In fact, local stations like Duke University's weather monitors often flag these low-humidity, gusty days as "elevated risk" for brush fires because the pine needles on the ground turn into tinder.
Actionable Advice for Your Friday
Since the current temperature Durham NC is staying well below the comfort zone, here’s how to handle the next 24 hours:
- Drip the Faucets: If you're in one of those older Trinity Park houses with questionable insulation, tonight’s 21°F low is "pipe-bursting" territory. Turn those taps to a slow drip before you go to bed.
- Pet Check: If your dog usually hangs out in the yard, bring them in early. 26°F (the wind chill) is too cold for most pups to be stationary for long.
- Check the Battery: Cold weather is a notorious killer of older car batteries. If your engine sounds "sluggish" when you turn the key this morning, it's a sign that the 33-degree start is draining its cranking power.
- Moisturize: Seriously. With 37% humidity, you're going to want to use a heavy-duty balm.
The sky is clear and the sun is out, which makes for a beautiful view of the downtown skyline, but the mercury isn't lying. It's cold. Bundle up, grab a hot coffee from Joe Van Gogh, and keep an eye on that wind speed—it's the real thief of warmth today.