Honestly, if you've ever stood on Main Street when the wind whistles through that narrow granite valley, you know Ellicott City weather isn't just about a number on a screen. It’s a mood. This Friday, January 16, 2026, we are looking at a classic Maryland winter paradox.
Basically, it’s cold. Real cold.
As of early this morning, the temperature is sitting at a crisp 21°F. But here’s the kicker: with those west winds biting at 13 mph, it actually feels like 7°F out there. If you’re heading out for an early coffee at Old Ellicott City, you’ve definitely gotta layer up more than you think.
The Ellicott City Weather Forecast for Today
Today’s vibe is "mostly cloudy" with a high of 35°F. It’s not exactly a heatwave, but compared to that 7°F wind chill we started with, it’ll feel somewhat manageable by lunchtime. The wind is shifting a bit, coming from the southwest at about 10 mph.
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Cloud cover is going to be the main theme. We’re looking at about 40% humidity during the day, which keeps the air feeling dry and sharp.
What about the snow?
Everyone in Howard County gets a little twitchy when they see "precipitation" in the forecast. For today, the daytime chance of snow is pretty low—only 10%. You might see a stray flake or two, but nothing that’s going to require the shovel.
Tonight is a slightly different story. The temperature is going to drop back down to a low of 19°F. The clouds will thicken up, and that snow chance bumps up to 25%. It’s mostly going to be flurries, but with the ground being as cold as it is, watch for those random slick spots on the hills of Tiber Alley or up toward the courthouse.
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Why January in EC is Tricky
People always talk about the "January Thaw," but in the Patapsco Valley, the geography changes the game. Cold air likes to sink and sit in the basin.
While the official weather forecast for Ellicott City Maryland might show a certain temperature at BWI or even up in Columbia, the historic district often feels a few degrees cooler because the sun disappears behind the hills earlier in the afternoon.
- Current Temperature: 21°F
- RealFeel: 7°F
- Wind: 13 mph from the West
- Humidity: 48% (Current)
- UV Index: 0 (It's nighttime, after all)
Looking ahead to the weekend, things get a bit messier. Saturday is showing a high of 42°F, which sounds great until you see the 40% chance of a frozen mix. That’s that classic Maryland "wintry mix" that turns every parking lot into a skating rink. Sunday cools back down to 34°F with more clouds.
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Surviving the Cold Snap
If you're planning to spend any time walking the shops today, the southwest wind will be slightly more forgiving than the westerly gusts we've had, but the 19°F low tonight is nothing to sneeze at.
The humidity is low enough (40-48%) that the cold won't feel "wet," but it will definitely zap the moisture out of your skin.
Check your tire pressure. These sudden drops from the 30s into the teens always trigger those annoying dashboard sensors. And since the sun is setting early, that 25% chance of evening snow could make the commute back up the hills toward Route 40 a little interesting if the flurries decide to stick.
The best move for today? Grab a heavy wool coat, keep an eye on the sky around dusk, and maybe stick to the indoor sections of the B&O Museum if you're playing tourist.
Next steps for staying prepared:
- Double-check your antifreeze levels if you haven't this winter.
- Salt your steps before the 25% snow chance kicks in tonight.
- Keep an extra pair of gloves in the car—that 10 mph southwest wind still bites when it’s 19 degrees.