If you’ve lived in the 757 for more than a week, you know the deal. The sky in Newport News has a bit of a personality disorder. One minute you’re walking through the Mariners' Museum Park enjoying a crisp breeze, and the next you're wondering if that grey smudge on the horizon is just a cloud or a full-blown coastal front. Honestly, staying on top of the forecast for Newport News is basically a local sport at this point.
Right now, we are sitting in the thick of January. It’s cold. There’s no sugarcoating it. As of tonight, January 15, 2026, the temperature is hovering at a biting 29°F, but with that northwest wind kicking at 12 mph, it actually feels like 19°F. If you’re heading out, you’ve definitely reached "heavy coat and gloves" territory.
What the Next Few Days Actually Look Like
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, looks like a winner if you like the sun but hate the warmth. We’re looking at a high of 41°F and a low of 26°F. It’ll be sunny all day, so at least the light will be pretty, even if your nose is freezing. The wind shifts to the southwest at 11 mph, which might take a tiny bit of the "bite" out of the air compared to today's northerly gusts.
Things get weird on Saturday.
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We’re going to see a jump in temperature to 50°F. Sounds great, right? Well, the trade-off is the clouds. It’ll be partly sunny during the day, but by nightfall, it’s going to be fully cloudy with a low of 40°F.
The Sunday Situation: Rain or Snow?
Sunday, January 18, is the day everyone is watching. The current forecast for Newport News shows a messy mix of rain and snow during the day. We’re looking at a high of 42°F and a low of 29°F.
Here is the nuance: humidity is expected to spike to 70%. In Virginia, that usually means "damp cold," the kind that gets into your bones. While there is a 25% chance of snow, don't go buying all the bread and milk just yet. Most of the time, our proximity to the water keeps things from sticking, turning potential winter wonderlands into just... wet slush.
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Deep Winter Trends for Late January
Looking further out into next week, the "rollercoaster" continues.
- Monday, Jan 19: Back to sunshine. High of 43°F. It’s going to be a beautiful, clear day for any outdoor MLK Day commemorations, just dress in layers.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: The bottom drops out. We’re looking at a high of only 32°F. That is freezing—literally.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: A quick recovery to 44°F under sunny skies.
- The Rain Returns: By Thursday and Friday (Jan 22-23), temperatures climb back into the low 50s, but the rain chances start creeping up to 40% by Friday night.
The real kicker? Next Sunday, January 25, has a 75% chance of snow. That’s a significant number. With a low of 18°F and winds hitting 19 mph, that could be the most legit winter weather we've seen all season.
How to Handle the Coastal Shift
Living near the James River means the weather isn't just about the temperature; it's about the wind and the moisture. A 40-degree day in Newport News feels way colder than a 40-degree day in, say, Roanoke.
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Basically, the "feels like" temp is your true north.
If the wind is coming from the North or Northwest, like it is tonight, it's bringing that Canadian air straight down the coast. When it swings Southwest later this week, you’ll feel that slightly milder Atlantic influence.
Actionable Insights for the Week Ahead:
- Winterize the pipes: Tuesday night is going to be exceptionally cold (24°F), and the following Sunday is even worse (18°F). If you have exposed pipes, now is the time to wrap them.
- Saturday is your "errand day": It's the warmest day in the ten-day stretch (50°F). If you need to wash the car or do yard work, do it then before the rain/snow mix hits on Sunday.
- Check the sump pump: With rain expected late next week and potential snow melting, ensure your drainage is clear.
The forecast for Newport News isn't just a list of numbers—it's a guide on how to survive a Virginia winter without losing your mind. Stay warm out there.
Next Steps for You:
Check your tire pressure tomorrow morning; these rapid drops in temperature usually trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on the dashboard. Also, if you’re planning to travel toward Richmond on Sunday, keep an eye on that 25% snow chance, as I-64 can get tricky fast when the slush starts to freeze.