Honestly, if you've lived in the Tuscarawas Valley for any length of time, you know the sky has a mind of its own. But this week? This week is something else. As of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, New Philadelphia is sitting in a deep freeze that makes a standard Ohio winter look like a tropical vacation.
The current temperature is a biting 15°F. That sounds cold, sure, but it’s the wind that really does the damage. With a 9 mph breeze coming off the west, the "feels like" temperature has plummeted to 3°F. Basically, if you aren't wearing three layers and a heavy coat just to take the trash out, you’re doing it wrong.
The sky is mostly clear with some periodic clouds drifting through, but don't let that fool you into thinking the weekend will be easy.
The January Whiplash: Snow and Swings
The forecast for the next few days in New Philadelphia looks like a rollercoaster. We just came off a day where the high only reached 17°F with light snow dusting the streets. Tonight, we’re looking at a low of 13°F under a cloudy sky.
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Friday, January 16, brings a weird shift. The high is expected to jump up to 32°F. That’s a 15-degree climb in 24 hours. While it sounds "warmer," it’s bringing snow showers with it, especially at night when the chance of precipitation hits 35%.
Here is what the immediate horizon looks like:
- Saturday: High of 33°F. Snow showers are likely during the day.
- Sunday: Temps drop back down to a high of 23°F.
- Monday: It gets even colder with a high of 19°F and a low of 4°F.
That Monday night low of 4°F is when things get serious for local pipes and car batteries. If you've been putting off checking your antifreeze, this is your sign.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Our Climate
There is this myth that Ohio is just "gray and snowy" for four months straight. Not really. In New Philadelphia, January is technically our coldest month, but we actually see more "mixed" precipitation than pure snow some years.
According to National Weather Service data, our average high for mid-January is usually around 37°F. We are currently running way below that. This cold snap is part of a broader regional trend. Recent reports from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory show that lake ice coverage has been fluctuating wildly—peaking at 33% in early January before a brief warm-up melted it down to under 3%. Now that the cold is back, that ice is ramping up again, which changes how much "lake effect" moisture actually reaches us here in the valley.
Survival Tips for the 4°F Monday
When the mercury drops toward zero, the "standard" winter rules change.
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- The West Wind Factor: Our winds are currently coming from the West/Southwest. This means any moisture coming off the lakes or the plains hits us directly.
- Humid Cold: Humidity is hovering around 67%. That’s a "wet" cold that gets into your bones much faster than a dry mountain cold.
- The UV Index: It’s at 0. Don't expect the sun to help melt the ice on your driveway today. You’ll need salt or sand.
Looking Toward Next Week
By next Wednesday, January 21, we might see a break with a high of 35°F, but the following Sunday (January 25) is currently projected to hit a terrifying low of -4°F.
That’s the kind of weather where even the most seasoned locals stay inside and order from Tuscora Park-area pizza shops rather than brave the roads.
Actionable Insight for New Philadelphia Residents: Check your tire pressure tonight. Drastic drops from 32°F to 4°F cause air to contract, and you’ll likely wake up Monday morning with a "low pressure" light on your dashboard. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk with a real blanket—not just a space blanket—because if you get stuck in 3°F wind chill, you’ll need it.