If you think Central Texas is all about scorching summers and oppressive humidity, you’ve clearly never spent a Sunday in January in the Heart of Texas. Honestly, Waco weather is a bit of a wildcard. One day you’re wearing a T-shirt at a Baylor game, and the next, you’re scraping a thin layer of frost off your windshield.
Basically, today in Waco, we are looking at a classic "Texas winter" day. The waco texas weather forecast for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is serving up a high of 60°F and a low of 25°F. That is a 35-degree swing. You've gotta love it. Or at least, you've gotta dress for it.
Right now, the current temperature is sitting at 55°F, though it feels more like 52°F thanks to a 10 mph breeze coming in from the southwest. It’s sunny. The humidity is super low at 21%, which makes that air feel crisp rather than heavy.
The Reality of the 35-Degree Swing
Most folks from up North laugh when Texans talk about "winter," but the volatility here is real.
Think about it. You wake up and it is 25°F. That is a hard freeze. Your pipes are shivering. Then, by 3:00 PM, it's 60°F and perfectly comfortable for a walk through Cameron Park. This isn't just a quirk; it’s the standard operating procedure for McLennan County this time of year.
Historically, Waco has seen some wild stuff in January. We’re talking about a record low of -5°F back in 1949 and a record high of 90°F in 1943. While today isn't hitting those extremes, the 0% chance of rain means we are at least spared from the "winter mix" mess that occasionally paralyzes I-35.
What the Numbers Actually Mean for Your Day
- The Wind Factor: At 11 mph from the southwest today, it’s just enough to be noticeable. It’s not a gale, but it’ll definitely mess up a fresh blowout if you're headed to brunch.
- The UV Index: It’s a 3 today. Don't let the cool air fool you; the Texas sun is still doing its thing. If you’re outside for a few hours, you might actually catch a bit of color.
- Precipitation: Zip. Zero. Zilch. Whether it's rain or the "snow" that Waco occasionally gets (which usually just looks like dandruff on the grass), we aren't seeing any of it today.
Why "Average" Weather in Waco is a Myth
If you look at the climate data from the National Weather Service, the average high for January is around 59°F. We are hitting 60°F today. On paper, it looks like a perfectly average day.
But "average" in Texas is just the midpoint between two extremes.
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One year you might have the "Great Freeze" like in February 2021 (where we hit -1°F), and the next, you’re dealing with a drought. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, this specific stretch of January 2026 was predicted to be "sunny and warm," which aligns pretty well with our current reality.
Planning Your Sunday in Waco
Since it's going to stay clear and sunny throughout the afternoon, it’s a prime day for outdoor stuff before the sun dips. Once that sun goes down, that 25°F low is going to move in fast.
- Morning (25°F - 40°F): This is heavy coat territory. If you're heading to an early church service or grabbing coffee at Magnolia Press, you’ll want the layers.
- Afternoon (50°F - 60°F): Shed the coat. A light sweater or hoodie is plenty. The southwest wind will feel refreshing.
- Night (40°F falling to 25°F): Bring the pets inside. Cover those sensitive plants. It’s going to be a "clear and cold" night, exactly as the forecast predicts.
The air is dry, the sky is blue, and the wind is manageable. Honestly, as far as Texas winters go, you really can't ask for a better setup than what we have right now. Just don't get too comfortable—knowing Waco, next week could be totally different.
Actionable Insights for Today:
- Layer up: Start with a heavy jacket but wear something light underneath for the 60°F peak.
- Hydrate: With 21% humidity, you'll lose moisture faster than you realize even if it isn't "hot."
- Plant Care: Ensure any non-hardy plants are protected before the 25°F dip overnight.