Honestly, if you're living in Kettering or just passing through, you’ve probably realized by now that the sky here has a personality of its own. It’s not just "British weather." It’s that specific Northamptonshire blend of damp air, low-hanging grey clouds, and the constant gamble of whether you actually need the heavy coat or just a light layer. Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is a perfect example of why checking the weather forecast in Kettering Northamptonshire is basically a local sport.
Right now, it’s mostly cloudy and hovering at a crisp 38°F. But don't let that number fool you. With the humidity sitting at a staggering 94% and a 8 mph breeze coming in from the south, the "feels like" temperature is actually closer to 33°F. It’s that biting, damp cold that gets right into your bones if you aren't moving.
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Why the Kettering "Feels Like" Temp Always Wins
Most people look at the headline temperature and think they’re fine. Big mistake. In Kettering, the humidity is the real boss. When the air is this saturated—we're talking 94% humidity today—the cold sticks to you.
The forecast for the rest of today shows a high of 46°F, which sounds almost mild for mid-January. However, the light rain that’s been teased all morning is likely to settle in. We’re looking at a 15% chance of rain during the day, which jumps up significantly to 35% as we head into the night. It's not a torrential downpour, but it's that annoying, misty drizzle that makes the roads slick and your hair a mess.
The Breakdown for Today, January 16
- Daytime: Mostly cloudy with a peak of 46°F. Light rain is expected to be patchy.
- Evening: Temperatures will dip to around 37°F.
- Wind: Steady 10 mph south wind, which is actually quite gentle compared to the 23 mph gusts we often see this time of year.
- Sunlight: Or lack thereof. The UV index is a flat 0. You won't be needing sunglasses today.
The January Reality Check
January in Kettering is historically the windiest month of the year, usually averaging around 23 mph. Compared to that, today’s 10 mph wind is a bit of a break. Usually, we expect about 17 days of rain throughout this month. If you feel like you’ve been carrying an umbrella since New Year's Day, it’s because you probably have.
We’re currently in the middle of the "coldest month" cycle. While 46°F is actually slightly above the historical average high of 43°F for mid-January, it’s the lack of sunshine that really defines the vibe. On average, we only get about 2 hours of bright sunshine a day this month. Basically, if you see a patch of blue sky between the Wicksteed Park trees and the town center, take a picture, because it won't last.
Survival Guide for a Northamptonshire Winter
If you’re heading out toward the A14 or just walking down to the shops, layering is your only hope.
- Waterproofing is non-negotiable: Even with a low 15% rain chance, the 92% humidity means everything feels wet anyway. A shell jacket over a fleece is the standard Kettering uniform for a reason.
- Watch the South Wind: While a south wind usually brings slightly warmer air, it also brings the moisture from the channel. It's why today feels so "heavy."
- Night Driving: With the temperature dropping to 37°F tonight and rain chances increasing to 35%, watch out for "black ice" patches on the rural roads outside the town limits. It’s just warm enough to melt during the day and just cold enough to get tricky by midnight.
Basically, the weather forecast in Kettering Northamptonshire for the rest of the day is a bit of a grey muddle. It’s not freezing, but it’s certainly not warm. It’s the kind of day where you plan for rain but hope for clouds.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your wiper blades before the evening rain picks up at 5 PM. If you’re planning a walk in the Ise Valley, stick to the paved paths—the ground is saturated from the 94% humidity and recent light rain, so the grass will be a literal bog. If you're heading out tonight, keep an eye on the wind direction; if it shifts from the south to the west, expect that "feels like" temperature to drop even further as the dampness clears.