Right now, Durham is basically a freezer. If you just stepped outside or peeked at your phone, you probably saw a number that made you want to crawl back under the covers. Honestly, it’s 23°F out there. That’s the actual air temperature, but because of a 7 mph wind coming out of the west, the "feels like" situation is a much more aggressive 16°F.
It's cold. Really cold.
The Breakdown of This Morning's Chill
We're sitting at a humidity level of 53%. Usually, North Carolina humidity feels like a wet blanket in July, but in January, it just makes the air feel sharper. There’s a 0% chance of precipitation at the moment, which is a bit of a relief given how low those numbers are climbing—or rather, sinking. The sky is clear, which sounds nice until you realize that without cloud cover, all the heat from yesterday just escaped into space like an unlatched balloon.
Most people don't realize that January 16 is historically one of the absolute coldest points of the year for the Bull City. While our average highs for this month usually hover around 51°F, today is struggling. We are looking at a projected high of 44°F later this afternoon.
- Current Temp: 23°F
- Wind Chill: 16°F
- Wind Speed: 7 mph (West)
- UV Index: 0 (It's dark, after all)
What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
The sun is going to show up eventually. When it does, we’ll move from "bitterly cold" to just "regular cold." The daily forecast suggests a high of 44°F under sunny skies. But don't let the sunshine fool you. A 10 mph wind from the southwest is going to keep things brisk.
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Humidity will actually drop to about 33% during the day. It’s that dry, itchy-skin kind of weather that has everyone reaching for the heavy-duty lotion. If you’re heading out to Ninth Street for coffee or walking across Duke’s campus, you’re definitely going to want the wool socks.
Tonight, the temperature is going to dive again. We’re looking at a low of 22°F. Interestingly, there’s a tiny 5% chance of some stray snow flurries tonight as the clouds roll in, though nobody is expecting a "Snowpocalypse" just yet.
Why the Current Temperature in Durham NC Is Hitting Different Today
There's been a lot of talk about a "modifying Arctic airmass" moving through the region. Basically, a big chunk of cold air from Canada took a road trip south. It’s why we’re seeing temperatures about 10 to 15 degrees below the seasonal average.
Local experts from the National Weather Service in Raleigh have been keeping a close eye on fire weather too. You wouldn't think about fires when it's 23°F, but the air is so dry and the winds are gusty enough that the "Increased Fire Danger" flags were up recently. When the humidity drops into the teens—which it might do later today—everything becomes a tinderbox.
Looking Ahead: Is Snow Coming?
The big question everyone in Durham asks once the thermometer hits the 20s: "Is it going to snow?"
There’s a bit of a "wait and see" vibe for Sunday. A cold front is expected to move through Saturday night, and depending on how a coastal low develops off the Cape Hatteras coast, we might see some light snow or a rain-snow mix on Sunday. The uncertainty is high. One model shows a hit, another shows a miss. It’s the classic North Carolina weather gamble.
For now, focus on the immediate reality. The current temperature in Durham NC is 23°F. It's the kind of morning where you need to let the car warm up for a few minutes and make sure the outdoor pets are tucked away somewhere warm.
Survival Tips for a Durham Deep Freeze
- Layering is a science. Don't just wear one big coat. Wear a base layer that wicks moisture, a middle layer for insulation (fleece is king), and an outer shell to block that 7 mph wind.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If that little light on your dashboard popped on this morning, that's why.
- Pipes and Plants. If you're in one of the older bungalows near Watts-Hillandale, maybe leave a drip in the sink. 22°F is low enough to cause some headaches with older plumbing.
- Hydrate. You don't feel thirsty when it's this cold, but dry air de-hydrates you faster than you'd think.
If you're planning your commute or just deciding whether to head to the Southpoint mall, keep an eye on the wind gusts. While the sustained winds are low, those 15-25 mph gusts can catch you off guard when you're walking across a parking lot.
Stay warm, keep the coffee hot, and keep an eye on the Sunday forecast. We might be trading these clear skies for some white flakes sooner than you think.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your tire pressure before heading out on I-40 today, as the 23°F chill has likely caused a significant PSI drop. If you have sensitive outdoor plants, bring them inside now; tonight’s projected low of 22°F will be sustained long enough to damage most non-hardy species.