Honestly, trying to pin down a single "temperature for today" across the entire United States is kinda like trying to pick one topping for a pizza that 330 million people have to share. It's basically impossible. But if we look at the broad national data for Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re seeing a classic mid-winter split that's making things feel pretty frigid for a lot of us.
Right now, the current temperature for the United States as a whole is sitting at 16°F.
That sounds cold, but it’s the "feels like" that really bites today. Because of a steady 12 mph wind coming out of the northwest, it actually feels like 1°F out there. If you've stepped outside this morning, you’ve probably noticed that wind hitting your face—it’s that sharp, January air that makes you regret forgetting your scarf.
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Understanding Today's Temperature Trends
We are currently looking at a high of 25°F for the day. That’s not exactly "balmy," is it? The humidity is hovering around 55%, which is relatively dry, and the UV index is basically non-existent at 0. It’s mostly cloudy across large swaths of the country, though some areas are seeing sunnier breaks.
If you're in the northern plains or the Midwest, you’re likely feeling the brunt of this. A strong cold front has been pushing south, and it’s dragging that arctic air along with it. In fact, high temperatures in the single digits and teens are common today in places like the Upper Midwest. That's about 15 to 25 degrees below what we’d usually expect for mid-January.
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The Lowdown on the Cold
Tonight, things are going to get even crispier. We’re forecasting a low temperature of 2°F.
- Precipitation: There's a 10% chance of snow during the day.
- Wind: Expect that northwest wind to stay steady at 12 mph.
- Overnight: The sky is expected to clear up, which usually means the heat escapes faster, leading to those biting low temperatures.
Why Is It So Cold Today?
We’re currently dealing with a very "amplified" weather pattern. Basically, there’s a big ridge of high pressure over the West Coast and a deep "trough" (imagine a big dip in the atmosphere) over the central and eastern U.S. This trough is like a slide for cold air, letting it pour down from Canada right into our backyards.
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It's also worth noting that we are in a weak La Niña state. Usually, La Niña means warmer and drier for the South, but as we’re seeing today in places like San Antonio—where they have a Red Flag Warning for fire risk followed by a freeze warning—weather doesn't always follow the "average" playbook.
Regional Sneak Peeks
While the national average is 16°F, your local experience is going to vary wildly:
- The South: Places like Alabama are seeing rain exit the state, with temperatures potentially rising into the 50s before a freeze hits tonight.
- The Northeast: If you're in Pennsylvania or Maryland, you might have woken up to a "snow burst" this morning.
- The West: While the East shivers, the West Coast is actually seeing some ridging, though even they are worried about low snowpacks in the mountains.
Basically, if you’re heading out, layers are your best friend. The 16°F current temp is just a starting point. With that 1°F wind chill, "exposed skin" is the enemy.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your pipes: Since we're hitting a low of 2°F tonight nationally, make sure your outdoor faucets are covered.
- Layer up: If you're going to be out for more than 15 minutes, wear a moisture-wicking base layer. That wind chill is no joke.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Keep the walks short today.
- Watch the roads: With a 10% chance of snow and temps well below freezing, any moisture on the ground could turn into black ice by tonight.