If you’ve spent more than five minutes in Bristol County, you know the old saying about New England weather. Wait a minute and it’ll change. But honestly, weather for Mansfield MA is its own specific brand of chaos. Located almost exactly halfway between Boston and Providence, Mansfield sits in a geographic "sweet spot" where the ocean air from Narragansett Bay and the cold fronts from the Berkshires constantly duke it out.
Today, January 13, 2026, we are seeing exactly that.
Right now, it’s mostly cloudy with a temperature of 41°F, but it feels more like 36°F because of a 7 mph breeze kicking up from the south. If you’re heading out to the Xfinity Center area or just grabbing coffee downtown, don’t let the "high of 44°F" fool you. By tonight, we’re looking at a drop to 28°F and a 25% chance of snow. It is classic January in the 02048.
The Mansfield Microclimate: Not Quite Coastal, Not Quite Inland
Most people think of Massachusetts weather as one big block of "cold," but Mansfield is weirdly specific. We aren't right on the water like Quincy or New Bedford, so we don't always get that salt-air "buffer" that keeps things from freezing.
However, we are close enough to the coast that we often get stuck in the dreaded "rain-snow line."
You know the drill. Boston is getting hammered with 10 inches of powder, Providence is seeing a light dusting, and Mansfield is getting pelted with two inches of slush and freezing rain. It’s a mess. Historically, January is the coldest month here, with average lows hitting 19°F. But here is the thing: "average" doesn't really exist in a world where the jet stream is constantly shifting.
One day it's 50°F and you're thinking about spring; the next morning, your car door is frozen shut.
Humidity and the "RealFeel" Factor
Humidity in Mansfield is basically a year-round guest.
In the summer, it’s the thick, soupy air that makes July feel like 95°F when the thermometer only says 83°F. In the winter? It's that damp, "bone-chilling" cold. Unlike the dry cold you get in the Midwest, our 30-degree days feel heavier because of the moisture.
- Morning: Damp, foggy starts are common near the Great Woods area.
- Afternoon: The sun might break through, but the wind speed often picks up.
- Evening: Rapid cooling. Since we are relatively flat, there aren't many hills to block the wind.
Seasonal Shifts: What to Actually Expect
If you are planning a move here or just visiting for a show, you need to look past the monthly averages. Here is the reality of how the year actually shakes out in Mansfield.
The Winter Gauntlet (December to March)
The cold season officially lasts about 3.3 months. During this window, high temperatures rarely break 46°F. This year, we’re seeing a bit of a "warm" spike today at 41°F, but the North Pole air is currently bottled up. Weather experts like the folks at WeatherSpark and the National Weather Service note that the coldest day of the year usually hits around January 30th.
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Expect a mix of everything. We get "Northeasters" (Nor'easters) that can dump a foot of snow in six hours, but we also get weirdly sunny, dry stretches in late January.
The Summer Steam (June to September)
July is the hottest month, averaging a high of 83°F. It sounds pleasant. It isn’t always. The humidity from the surrounding wetlands and the low elevation means the air often stays stagnant. If you’re at an outdoor concert, hydration isn't a suggestion—it’s a requirement.
Shoulder Seasons: The Only Time It's Perfect
September is, hands down, the best time for Mansfield weather. The sky is clear about 62% of the time, and the humidity finally takes a hike. May is a close second, though you’ve got to deal with the "May Gray" clouds and the occasional rainstorm that lasts for three days straight.
What Most People Get Wrong About 02048 Weather
A common misconception is that Mansfield gets the same snow as Worcester. Nope.
Worcester has elevation. Mansfield is sitting at about 138 feet above sea level. That height difference is why a "major storm" often turns into a "major puddle" for us. However, because we are in a bit of a basin, we tend to hold onto fog longer than the surrounding towns. If you’re driving on I-95 or I-495 early in the morning, you’ll notice the visibility drops significantly right as you hit the Mansfield lines.
Also, let's talk about the wind. January is our windiest month, with gusts frequently hitting 20 mph or higher. It’s not "hurricane" wind, but it’s enough to make that 35-degree walk to the train station feel like a trek across the tundra.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Mansfield Weather
Knowing the forecast is half the battle. Surviving it is the other half.
- The Layering Rule: Never trust a sunny morning in April or October. Wear a base layer that can breathe, because by 2:00 PM, it will be 15 degrees warmer than when you left the house.
- Check the Dew Point: In the summer, don't just look at the temp. If the dew point is over 65, it’s going to be miserable. Plan your outdoor errands for before 10:00 AM.
- Winter Tires: People argue about this, but given our "rain-to-ice" transitions, having good tread is more important here than in places that get "dry" snow.
- Emergency Kits: Because of our proximity to the coast, we get high-wind events that knock out power lines in the more wooded parts of town. Keep a portable charger and extra blankets in the car.
The weather for Mansfield MA is a moving target. It requires a bit of patience and a lot of different jackets. While today's 41°F might feel like a break from the usual January freeze, keep your shovel handy. The 25% snow chance for tonight is a reminder that in New England, winter is always just one cold front away from coming back with a vengeance.
Keep an eye on the barometric pressure changes, especially during the spring "nor'easter" season. Rapid drops usually mean a heavy precipitation event is about to slam the region, often changing from rain to snow in a matter of minutes.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local tire pressure today; the 15-degree drop expected between this afternoon and tomorrow morning will cause your "low pressure" light to trigger. If you are commuting via the MBTA, expect slight delays tomorrow morning as the overnight 28°F freeze may create slick spots on the platforms after today's damp conditions.