Honestly, if you woke up this morning in Prescott and reached for that heavy-duty parka, you might want to put it back in the closet. We’ve been seeing a lot of "January Thaw" talk lately, and Sunday, January 18, 2026, is proving that the hype is real. While the rest of the country is seemingly shivering through a brutal cold snap, our little corner of Yavapai County is feeling... well, surprisingly pleasant.
Basically, we're looking at a day that feels more like early spring than the dead of winter. If you're heading out to Watson Lake or just grabbing a coffee on the Courthouse Plaza, here is the breakdown of the weather in Prescott today that you actually need to know.
The Highs, the Lows, and the Layers
Today is all about the "partly sunny" vibe. We are hitting a high of 63°F, which is a solid ten degrees or so above our typical January average. It’s one of those classic Arizona mountain days where the sun feels incredible on your skin, but the air still has that crisp, clean bite to it.
Don't let that afternoon warmth fool you into staying out too late without a plan, though. Once that sun dips behind the Bradshaws, things change fast. We’re looking at a low of 37°F tonight. That is a 26-degree swing. In terms of what to wear, you’ve gotta go with the "onion method"—layers on layers. A t-shirt for the 2:00 PM sun, a light fleece for 4:30 PM, and that jacket you ignored earlier for anything after sunset.
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Wind and Humidity: The "Dry Heat" Myth in Winter
People always talk about Arizona's dry heat in July, but the dry cold is what really gets you in January. Humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 28%.
The wind is barely a factor today, which is a relief for anyone who’s tried to hike Thumb Butte during one of our typical gusty spells. We've got a light breeze coming from the northwest at about 5 mph. It’s just enough to move the air around without making the "wind chill" a part of your vocabulary.
Rain? Forget about it. There’s a tiny 10% chance of a stray shower, but it’s mostly just a "don't-worry-about-it" statistic. You’re much more likely to see a few high-altitude clouds than any actual moisture hitting the pavement.
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Why Today is Different
If you look at the historical data for January in Prescott, we usually hover around 51°F or 52°F for a high. Seeing 63°F on the thermometer today is a bit of a treat. According to recent climate trends observed at Ernest A. Love Field, we’ve been trending about 6°F warmer than last year across the region.
It’s a weirdly stable window of weather. While the East Coast is dealing with a strong cold front and potential blizzard conditions in places like North Dakota, the West is holding onto this ridge of high pressure.
What This Means for Your Sunday
- The UV Factor: Even though it’s winter, the UV index is around 2. It’s low, sure, but if you’re spending four hours on a trail, the high-altitude sun (we are at 5,300 feet, after all) can still do a number on your skin.
- Road Conditions: Everything is clear. No ice, no slush. It’s a perfect day for a drive up to Jerome or Sedona if you’re looking to play tourist for a day.
- Yard Work: If you’ve been putting off clearing those pine needles, today is the day. The soil temperature is hovering around 46°F, and with the low humidity, things are dry and easy to manage.
Looking Toward the Week Ahead
Enjoy this warmth while it lasts because the long-range forecasts suggest things might settle back into "real" winter soon. By late January, we usually see a return to those freezing overnight lows that remind us why we're called "Arizona's Christmas City."
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For right now, the move is definitely to get outside. The air is clear, the visibility is a solid 10 miles, and the "mostly sunny" forecast is holding strong.
Actionable Insights for Today:
- Hydrate more than you think: 28% humidity is effectively a dehydrator. If you’re hiking, double your water intake.
- Sun protection is still a thing: Use a light moisturizer with SPF; the high-altitude air is as drying as it is bright.
- Prep for the drop: Ensure your heater is set to kick in by 5:30 PM, as the temperature will plummet the moment the sun sets.