If you woke up this morning in Port Arthur and thought it felt a bit more "Arctic" than "Gulf Coast," you weren't imagining things. Honestly, it's cold. Like, historically cold. While we usually expect January to be a mix of damp sweaters and the occasional 70-degree surprise, today—Sunday, January 18, 2026—is putting our winter gear to a serious test.
The mercury bottomed out at a crisp 30°F early this morning.
Think about that for a second. According to the long-term climate records for the Beaumont-Port Arthur area, the record low for this specific date was 11°F back in 1930. While we didn't hit those depths, seeing the thermometer dip below freezing is rare enough here to make everyone reconsider their outdoor plans.
The Current Vibe Outside
Right now, as the city moves into the evening, things haven't exactly warmed up to a tropical level. The current temperature is sitting at 41°F, but if you're heading out to grab dinner or walking the dog, the "feels like" factor is the real story. With the wind coming in from the southwest at 6 mph, it actually feels more like 37°F.
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It's a dry cold, though. That’s the silver lining.
Humidity is hovering around 67%, which is actually quite low for us. Usually, Port Arthur humidity makes the air feel like a heavy wet blanket, but today it’s sharp and clear. Speaking of clear, the sky is totally cloudless. If you look up tonight, you're going to see a spectacular view because there’s 0% chance of rain and zero cloud cover. It's the kind of night where the stars actually look like they’re vibrating.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Most people get Port Arthur weather wrong. They think it's always humid and always rainy. Not today.
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- Today's High: We managed to hit 54°F earlier this afternoon. It was sunny, but that sun didn't have much "bite" to it.
- The Low Point: That 30°F dip this morning was the highlight (or lowlight) of the day.
- UV Index: A solid 0. You could stand outside all day and not worry about a burn, though you’d probably freeze before that became an issue anyway.
- Wind: We’ve got a gentle 7 mph breeze from the southwest, keeping the air moving but not exactly whipping through the trees.
Why This Matters for Your Monday
You've probably noticed your heater running overtime. With the night staying clear and the wind remaining steady, we aren't going to see a massive warm-up before the morning commute.
Basically, the ground is losing heat fast. Since there are no clouds to act as a thermal lid, all that afternoon warmth is just radiating straight out into space. It's a classic radiational cooling setup.
If you have sensitive plants out on the patio, you probably already brought them in. If not, well, tonight might be the night they decide they’ve had enough of the Texas coast. And don't forget the pets; even if they have a thick coat, 37-degree "feels like" temps are no joke for an animal used to 80-degree humidity.
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What to Do Now
Don't let the "sunny" forecast for the rest of the day fool you into leaving the house in just a hoodie. The temperature is dropping back toward that 30-degree mark as we speak.
- Layering is key: Since the wind is low but the air is cold, a windbreaker over a fleece is your best friend.
- Tire Pressure: Cold snaps like this are notorious for triggering "low tire pressure" sensors. Give them a check before you head out tomorrow morning; the air in your tires has definitely "shrunk" in this cold.
- Hydration: Oddly enough, people forget to drink water when it’s cold because they aren't sweating. But dry air at 67% humidity will dehydrate you faster than you think.
Port Arthur weather is a fickle thing, but today is all about staying crisp, dry, and bundled up. Enjoy the clear skies while they last, because on the coast, the clouds are never gone for long.