Honestly, if you're looking out the window in Newcastle upon Tyne right now, you probably aren't surprised. It’s a bit grim. Currently, we’re sitting at a crisp 43°F, though it feels more like 39°F thanks to a persistent dampness hanging in the air.
The sky is basically a solid sheet of grey.
The humidity is maxed out at 99%, which explains that heavy, "wet" feeling every time you step outside. We’ve got a light breeze coming in from the southeast at about 5 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make that 43-degree air bite just a little bit harder if you’re not wrapped up.
What to expect for the rest of today
If you were planning a long walk along the Quayside, you might want a backup plan. Or a very sturdy umbrella.
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The forecast for the rest of Sunday, January 18, shows light rain sticking around. We’re looking at a high of 43°F and a low of 37°F tonight. The chance of rain is going to ramp up as the sun goes down—moving from a 40% chance during the day to a much more certain 65% chance tonight.
Basically, it's a "stay in and order a Greggs" kind of afternoon.
Current weather in Newcastle: The breakdown
Usually, January in Newcastle is a gamble between biting cold and endless drizzle. Today, we’re firmly in the drizzle camp. While the temperature is technically above freezing, that 99% humidity means the air is saturated.
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Here is the quick look at the numbers right now:
- Current Temp: 43°F
- Feels Like: 39°F
- Wind: 5 mph from the Southeast
- Chance of Rain: 21% right now, rising to 65% later
- Cloud Cover: 100% (Cloudy)
Looking at the week ahead
Don't expect a heatwave. Tomorrow, Monday, looks to be slightly warmer with a high of 8°C (around 46°F), but the "Mist" warning from the Met Office suggests visibility might be a bit of an issue for the morning commute. Tuesday might actually be the "nicest" day of the bunch, hitting 9°C, even if it stays overcast.
There's been a lot of talk in the local papers about a "Siberian blast" or a "400-mile blizzard" hitting the UK later this month. While the charts from WXCharts suggest we might see some white stuff around January 27, for right now, the primary "hazard" is just the damp.
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Expert tip for Geordies today
If you have to head out, layers are your friend more than a single heavy coat. With the humidity this high, you'll sweat if you're too bundled up, and then that 39-degree "feels like" temp will really start to chill you.
Also, keep an eye on the fog tonight. With the wind being so low and the moisture so high, visibility on the A1 could get a bit dicey as the temperature drops toward that 37°F low.
Next steps for your Sunday:
- Check your travel: If you're heading south or toward the coast tonight, give yourself an extra 10 minutes for potential mist and wet roads.
- Waterproofs over wool: A wool coat will just soak up this 99% humidity like a sponge; stick to a shell or a rain jacket.
- Monitor the freeze: While we're safe from ice today, keep an eye on Tuesday night's temps if you have outdoor plants that aren't fans of the North East winter.