Honestly, if you’re looking at the forecast for Dayton, Tennessee 37321 today, you might think it’s just another gray winter Saturday. But there’s a lot more going on under the hood of Rhea County’s weather patterns than a single app notification can tell you.
Right now, it’s 43°F outside. Kind of that "in-between" temperature where you’re not sure if you need the heavy parka or just a solid hoodie. The sun is trying its best—it’s partly sunny—but a 71% humidity level makes that air feel a bit heavier than you’d expect for January.
What’s happening in Dayton today?
We’re looking at a high of 49°F later this afternoon. It’s not exactly tropical, but compared to what’s coming tonight, you should probably enjoy it while it lasts. The wind is currently a gentle 4 mph coming out of the west.
Here’s the thing about weather for Dayton Tennessee 37321: the topography of the Tennessee Valley does some weird stuff to our local climate. We’re tucked between the Cumberland Plateau and the Smoky Mountains. This creates a sort of "funnel" effect. While the "official" stats say there’s only a 3% chance of rain right now, the daily forecast actually flags a 10% chance of snow for both the day and night.
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The Tonight Shift: A Sharp Drop
Once the sun goes down, things get real. The temperature is going to tank all the way down to 24°F.
Basically, we’re losing 25 degrees in a matter of hours. The wind is also expected to pick up, reaching about 12 mph from the west. If you’ve got plants or pets outside, this is the part where you need to take them seriously. A jump from 49 to 24 is the kind of swing that catches people off guard.
Why the 37321 ZIP Code is Unique
Most folks think Tennessee weather is just "mildly southern," but Dayton actually sits in a humid subtropical zone that gets surprisingly wet. In January, we usually average about 90% humidity. That’s why 43 degrees in Dayton feels way colder than 43 degrees in, say, Arizona. It’s that "damp cold" that gets into your bones.
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- Current UV Index: 1 (Very low, no sunblock needed today).
- Visibility: Good, though the West wind might bring in some clouds.
- Conditions: Partly sunny day shifting into a mostly cloudy night.
If you’re planning on being out by the lake or hiking near the Chickamauga, just know the wind feels sharper when you're near the water. That 12 mph gust forecast for tonight will make that 24-degree low feel much more like the teens.
Preparing for the Week Ahead
Looking at the broader picture, January in Dayton is historically our coldest month. While we’re seeing 49°F today, the average high for this time of year is usually around 47°F. We’re actually right on the money for a typical 2026 winter day.
What most people get wrong is assuming the "10% chance of snow" means it won't happen. In this part of the state, a 10% chance often turns into a light dusting that disappears by 10 AM, but it's enough to make the backroads slick if the ground is cold enough.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Since the temperature is dropping to 24°F tonight with a slight chance of snow, your best bet is to drip your faucets if you have older plumbing and ensure your tire pressure is checked. Cold snaps like this cause PSI to drop, and nobody wants a "low tire" light on a Sunday morning. If you're heading out this evening, swap the light jacket for a layered coat before the sun sets at 5:50 PM.