Honestly, if you're checking the weather for Renton WA right now, you’re probably expecting a wall of gray. It’s January 15, 2026, and yeah, we’ve got that classic Pacific Northwest "vibes over visibility" thing going on.
But here’s the kicker: it’s actually kind of nice out for this time of year.
Right now, as the sun dips and the streetlights on Grady Way start flickering to life, it’s 47°F. Not exactly tropical, but way better than the biting frost we usually get. There’s a light 8 mph breeze coming from the northeast, and while it’s partly cloudy, we aren't getting dumped on. Total 0% chance of rain tonight. Basically, it's peak "hoodie and a light vest" weather.
The Convergence Zone Myth and Real Renton Rain
Most people think Renton just gets the leftovers of Seattle's weather. That’s a huge misconception. Because of how we’re tucked into the south end of Lake Washington, we often dodge the worst of the "Puget Sound Convergence Zone" that hammers Shoreline or Everett.
Today, January 15, we topped out at 50°F. If you look at the historical averages from the WA State Climate Office, we’re actually running a few degrees warmer than the usual 45°F-46°F mark.
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Tomorrow is looking even better. Friday, January 16, is forecasted to hit 51°F with pure sun. In January! You’ve gotta appreciate those rare Blue Sky Days in the middle of "The Big Dark."
The humidity is sitting heavy at 84%, which is why that 47°F feels more like 43°F. It’s that damp cold that gets into your bones. It’s not the temperature that kills you here; it’s the moisture.
What the Next Week Actually Looks Like
Don't get too comfortable with the dry pavement. The transition is coming.
- Saturday & Sunday: We’re holding onto the sun. Highs around 51°F and 49°F. Overnight lows are going to dip to 34°F, so watch for black ice on the bridge over I-405.
- The Shift: By Wednesday, January 21, the "January Gloom" returns. We’re looking at a 25% chance of light rain and a high of 48°F.
- Wind Patterns: We usually see winds from the north this week at about 5-10 mph, but by next Tuesday, they’ll flip and come from the south. In Renton, south wind almost always means "grab the umbrella."
Why the "Rainy City" Reputation is Kinda Fake
People love to moan about the rain here, but if you look at the 2026 data so far, we’re actually in a bit of a precipitation deficit. We’ve only had about 1.83 inches of rain this month. Compare that to the historical average of nearly 5 inches for January, and you realize we’re having a weirdly dry spell.
According to local records at the Renton Municipal Airport (KRNT), we usually expect about 18 days of rain in January. This year? We’ve had a lot of "mostly cloudy" days that never actually broke into a downpour.
It’s a La Niña year, which usually means colder and wetter, but the current atmosphere is being stubborn. We have a 75% chance of moving into "neutral" conditions soon, which might explain why the snow forecast for tonight (which was a tiny 10% chance) is almost certainly not going to happen.
Staying Dry Without Looking Like a Tourist
If you’re new to the area or just visiting the Boeing plant, don't use an umbrella. Please. It’s the fastest way to signal you aren't from around here. The wind gusts—currently peaking at about 10 mph but capable of hitting 25 mph during storms—will just turn your umbrella into a useless metal skeleton anyway.
Get a decent shell. GORE-TEX is the local religion for a reason.
With the UV index at a flat 0 or 1, you don't need sunscreen, but you definitely need Vitamin D. Most locals are running on caffeine and hope by the time mid-January hits.
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Actionable Tips for This Week’s Weather
- Garden Prep: Since we have a string of sunny days (Friday through Monday), it’s actually a great time to clear those soggy leaves out of your gutters before the rain returns on Wednesday.
- Driving Safety: Those 34°F overnight lows mean the ramps onto Highway 167 will be slick. Even if it looks dry, the humidity creates a fine mist that freezes.
- Layering: Start with a moisture-wicking base. The 51°F high on Friday will feel warm in the sun but the second you step into the shadow of a building, that 76% humidity will make it feel ten degrees colder.
- Pet Care: If you’re walking the dog at Gene Coulon Park, bring a towel. Even without rain, the grass is holding onto all that 84% humidity.
Basically, enjoy the sun while it lasts this weekend. By next Thursday, the light rain returns, and we’ll be back to the standard Renton gray.