Right now, if you step outside in York, you’re hitting a wall of air that’s exactly 27°F. Honestly, it feels way colder than that. Thanks to a persistent 11 mph wind coming out of the west, the "feels like" temperature is actually hovering at a biting 17°F.
If you’re checking your phone and seeing something slightly different, don't worry. Local variances between the York Airport (KTHV) sensors and your neighborhood backyard thermometer are totally normal. But for the official record today, Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re dealing with a mostly cloudy sky and a humidity level of about 39%.
Basically, it's that classic South Central Pennsylvania winter "dry cold" that makes your knuckles crack if you forget the lotion.
What’s actually happening with the current temperature in York PA
We are currently in the thick of the "cold season," which for our area typically stretches from early December through the first week of March. Today’s high is expected to top out at 33°F, which is actually a few degrees below the historical average high of 38°F for mid-January.
It's interesting because the air is relatively dry right now, but there's a 7% chance of a stray flake or two during the day. The real shift happens tonight. As the sun sets—which, by the way, is around 5:07 PM these days—the mercury is going to slide down toward a low of 19°F.
The "Feels Like" Factor
The wind is the real culprit today. A 11 mph breeze doesn't sound like much, but at these temperatures, it strips the heat right off your skin.
When you have a 27°F ambient temperature and that 11 mph wind, you're looking at a wind chill that makes it feel like it's ten degrees colder. If you're heading to Central Market or walking the Heritage Rail Trail, that 17°F "real feel" is the number you actually need to dress for.
Looking ahead: Is snow on the way?
While it's mostly cloudy right now, the atmospheric pressure is signaling some changes. The daily forecast shows clouds thickening up this afternoon, leading into a 25% chance of light snow tonight.
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- Today's High: 33°F (Cloudy)
- Tonight's Low: 19°F (Light snow possible)
- Wind Direction: Switching from West to Southwest later today
Historically, January is our cloudiest month. We only get clear skies about 45% of the time, so this "gray blanket" weather is pretty much par for the course.
Why the temperature varies across York County
York is topographically diverse. If you’re down in the valley near the city center, you might be a degree or two warmer than someone up on the ridges near Jacobus or over by Rocky Ridge County Park.
- Urban Heat Island: The brick and pavement in downtown York soak up what little sun we get, often keeping the "current temperature" a tiny bit higher than the surrounding rural areas.
- Elevation: For every 1,000 feet you go up, you lose about 3.5 degrees. While we don't have mountains, the rolling hills are enough to create micro-climates.
- Wind Exposure: That 11 mph west wind hits the open fields of Dover way harder than it hits a sheltered street in the Avenues.
Actionable steps for today's weather
Since we're looking at a 17°F wind chill and potential light snow tonight, here’s the game plan:
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps like this cause the air in your tires to contract, usually triggering that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
- Hydrate your skin: With humidity at 39%, the air is thirsty. It’ll pull moisture from your skin and hair if you aren't careful.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a light jacket for ten minutes, it's too cold for your dog. Keep those bathroom breaks short today.
- Prepare for a "Dusting": While the 25% chance of snow tonight isn't a blizzard warning, it’s enough to make bridges and overpasses slick by tomorrow morning.
Stay warm out there. The current temperature in York PA isn't breaking any records today—we're far from the -5°F record set back in 1964—but it’s definitely cold enough to justify that second cup of coffee.