Honestly, if you've spent more than five minutes in Washington, you know the weather here has a mind of its own. One minute you're admiring the marble monuments under a crisp sky, and the next, you’re wondering if you should’ve packed a parka—or maybe an umbrella. Or both.
Right now, if you're stepping outside in the District on this Wednesday, January 14, 2026, it's basically a waiting game. Currently, at 5:05 AM, the temperature in Washington is 45°F.
It’s nighttime, it’s cloudy, and it feels a bit nippier than the raw number suggests, with a feels-like temperature of 41°F. There’s a light breeze coming out of the south at about 6 mph. It’s the kind of damp cold that sneaks under your collar.
The Wild Swing: Washington DC Weather Today
People think winter in the capital is just one long, grey slush-fest. Not today. We are actually looking at a pretty massive spread in temperatures.
Later this afternoon, we’re hitting a high of 56°F. That’s almost ten degrees above the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around 44°F. If you’re out for a lunchtime walk around the Tidal Basin, it might actually feel... pleasant? Briefly.
But don't get too comfortable.
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By the time the sun goes down, things take a turn. The low temperature for tonight is 32°F, hitting that freezing mark exactly.
What's Falling From the Sky?
Here is where it gets tricky. Washington is famous for "the mix." We rarely get a clean, cinematic snowfall; we get a cocktail of atmospheric indecision.
- During the day: Just a 10% chance of rain. Mostly just grey clouds hanging over the Capitol.
- Tonight: The stakes go up. There is a 45% chance of precipitation, and the forecast is calling for a rain and snow mix.
- Wind: It’ll pick up too, shifting to 10 mph from the south, making that 32°F feel significantly harsher.
Why Does It Feel Different Every Mile?
If you're staying downtown near the National Mall, the "Urban Heat Island" effect is real. All that stone and asphalt holds onto the daytime warmth. But if you head out toward Rock Creek Park or up into Upper Northwest, you can easily see a 3 to 5-degree drop.
Historically, January is the coldest month of the year here. We've seen it as low as -15°F back in 1899—a record that still stands. On the flip side, some lucky folks in 1950 saw a January day hit 79°F. We aren't seeing those extremes today, but a jump from 56°F down to 32°F with wet snow is enough to mess with anyone's commute.
Survival Tips for the DC Winter Mix
If you're visiting or just commuting into the city today, "layers" isn't just advice; it's a survival strategy.
- The Shoe Factor: Waterproof is the only way to go. If that 45% chance of rain/snow mix hits tonight, the sidewalks will turn into a slushy mess by tomorrow morning.
- The Evening Pivot: If you have dinner plans at 7:00 PM, the temperature will be plummeting from that 56°F high. Bring the heavy coat even if you feel silly carrying it at noon.
- Humidity Matters: At 55% humidity right now, the air holds the cold. It’s a "wet cold" that sticks to you.
Tomorrow is looking even more "fun"—the Capital Weather Gang is already warning about wind chills in the teens and 20s. So, enjoy that 56°F high while it lasts this afternoon. It’s the last bit of "mild" we’re going to see for a few days.
Stay dry, keep an eye on the radar around sunset, and maybe grab a coffee to deal with that 41°F real-feel temperature this morning.