Honestly, if you've lived in Evansville for more than a week, you know the deal. You can wake up to a frost-covered windshield and be looking for your sunglasses by lunch. It's just how the Ohio River Valley works.
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, it's a bit of a mixed bag out there. We’re sitting at a crisp 23°F, but with a 6 mph breeze coming up from the south, it actually feels like 15°F. If you’re heading out, that 8-degree difference is exactly enough to make you regret forgetting a scarf. The sky is holding steady at "cloudy," which is pretty much the standard uniform for January in the 812.
The Snow That Isn't Quite Snow (Yet)
There's been a lot of talk about the "light snow" in the forecast. Here’s the reality: tonight, there’s only a 20% chance of seeing any actual flakes. It’s more likely to be a few stray flurries that disappear the second they hit the pavement.
Earlier today, we hit a high of 32°F, which is basically the freezing point benchmark. It was sunny for a good stretch, but that didn't do much to take the bite out of the air. Looking ahead to the rest of the night, the temperature is expected to dip down to 20°F.
Wait, let's talk about the humidity. It's at 57% right now. In the summer, that’s a recipe for a "muggy" disaster, but in the winter, it just makes the cold feel a little more damp and "to-the-bone."
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Why Evansville Weather Is So Weird
People always blame the river. And they’re kinda right. The Ohio River acts like a giant thermostat that's been broken for thirty years. Because Evansville sits in that low-lying basin, we get trapped in "microclimates."
You’ve probably seen it: it’s pouring rain on the West Side near Reitz, but bone dry over by the Lloyd Expressway and Burkhardt. This isn't just your imagination. The National Weather Service out of Paducah actually tracks these anomalies. In June 2025, we saw this in the extreme—a massive flash flood dumped nearly 4 inches of rain on the West Side in just two hours, while other parts of the city barely saw a puddle.
The Winter "Wall"
January in Evansville is historically our coldest month. The average low is usually around 27°F, so tonight’s 20°F is actually a bit chillier than the "normal" standards.
- The Humidity Factor: Our winters aren't "dry colds" like you get in Colorado. They are wet. That moisture in the air conducts heat away from your body faster.
- The Wind Direction: When the wind comes from the South (like it is tonight at 6 mph), it usually hints at a warm-up. But since it’s only 6 mph, it’s not strong enough to push out the arctic air sitting over the city.
- The Cloud Blanket: We are currently in the "cloudiest" part of the year. Historically, February is the gloomiest month, but January gives it a run for its money with overcast skies about 53% of the time.
Breaking Down the Local Numbers
If you’re planning your Friday morning commute, keep these exact figures in mind:
The dewpoint is currently sitting at a low 8°F. That means the air is incredibly dry at the surface, which is why that 10-20% chance of snow probably won't result in any accumulation. The flakes will likely evaporate (sublimate, if we're being nerdy) before they even reach your driveway.
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Basically, don't expect a "snow day" tomorrow.
Survival Tips for the 812 This Week
If you're new to the area or just tired of being cold, here is the move. Forget the heavy parkas for a second. In Evansville, you need a windbreaker over a hoodie. The wind off the river is the real enemy, not the temperature itself.
Keep an eye on the wind chill. Even though the thermometer says 23°F, your body is reacting to that 15°F "feels like" temp. This is where frostbite starts to become a concern if you're outside for more than 30 minutes without gloves.
Also, check your tire pressure. These 10-to-15 degree swings we’ve been having are notorious for triggering that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
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What to Do Next
Since the humidity is low and the temperatures are dropping, it's a prime night for pipe protection. If you live in one of those charming-but-drafty historic homes in Haynie's Corner or near Bayard Park, open the cabinets under your sinks.
Actionable Steps for Tonight:
- Drip the faucets: Only if you have pipes on an exterior wall.
- Check the South wind: Since the wind is coming from the south, it might feel slightly less "sharp" than a north wind, but it's still cold enough to freeze a birdbath.
- Ignore the 20% snow chance: Don't bother salt-prepping the sidewalk; it's not worth the manual labor for a few stray flakes.
The sun will be back eventually, but for now, Evansville is just doing what it does best: staying gray, staying cold, and keeping us all guessing.