So, if you woke up this morning in Springfield and saw that 29-degree reading on your phone, you probably reached for the heavy parka. Good call. But here’s the thing about the weather for today in Springfield MA—it’s playing a bit of a psychological game with us. We are looking at a high of 45°F later this afternoon, which sounds almost balmy for mid-January in Western Mass, but don't let that fool you into leaving your hat at home.
It’s actually going to be a pretty weird Tuesday.
Basically, we’ve got this south wind kicking in at about 9 mph, which is responsible for dragging that "warmth" up the Pioneer Valley. I put warmth in quotes because, honestly, with the humidity sitting around 59% and the sky staying stubbornly cloudy, it’s going to feel more like a damp chill than a crisp winter day. If you're heading out to MGM Springfield or just grabbing a coffee downtown, expect the "feels like" temperature to hover much lower than the actual thermometer reading.
What to Expect Hour-by-Hour
Most people think the high hits at noon. It doesn't.
💡 You might also like: Why a Man Hits Girl for Bullying Incidents Go Viral and What They Reveal About Our Breaking Point
Today, we’re going to see a slow, sluggish climb. By 10:00 AM, we’ll likely still be struggling to break past 32°F. The peak 45°F isn't expected to arrive until late afternoon, likely between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. But here is the kicker: as soon as that sun sets at 4:40 PM, the floor drops out.
Tonight is when things get interesting (and by interesting, I mean potentially messy). We are looking at a low of 28°F, which is exactly where you don’t want it to be when the precipitation starts. There is a 35% chance of light rain or "wintry mix" moving in after dark. Because the ground is still cold from the overnight freeze, any rain that hits the pavement could turn into a thin sheet of black ice, especially on side streets near Forest Park or those hilly sections of East Longmeadow.
The Breakdown of Conditions
- Morning (6 AM - 11 AM): Overcast and biting. Temperatures will sit in the low 30s. The wind chill is the real story here, making it feel like 23°F.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): The "warm" peak. We hit 45°F, but it'll be a gray, flat light with zero Vitamin D thanks to a UV index of 1.
- Evening/Night (6 PM onwards): Clouds thicken. That 35% chance of rain moves in. As the temp slides back toward 28°F, watch for freezing drizzle.
Why This Forecast is Tricky for Drivers
If you’re commuting on I-91 or the Pike today, you’ve got to be careful about the transition periods. The National Weather Service out of Norton is keeping a close eye on the moisture levels because Springfield sits in that classic "valley trap." Cold air loves to settle at the bottom of the Pioneer Valley while warmer air flows over the top.
📖 Related: Why are US flags at half staff today and who actually makes that call?
This means that while your car thermometer might say 36°F at 7:00 PM, the actual bridge deck you're driving over could still be 31°F. That’s how you get those surprise slides.
Honestly, the biggest misconception about Springfield weather is that "above freezing" means "safe roads." In January, that’s just not true. The thermal mass of the asphalt takes a long time to warm up. Even with a high of 45°F, the deep-ground temperature is still frigid.
Beyond the Thermometer: Space Weather and Air Quality
Interestingly enough, while we’re looking at the clouds, there’s some wild stuff happening way above them. Space weather forecasters at NOAA have noted a minor G1 geomagnetic storm. While the clouds in Springfield will probably block any chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis tonight, these solar winds can occasionally mess with high-frequency radio or super-sensitive GPS equipment. Probably won't affect your Google Maps, but it’s a cool bit of trivia while you're stuck in traffic on State Street.
👉 See also: Elecciones en Honduras 2025: ¿Quién va ganando realmente según los últimos datos?
On the health front, the air quality in Springfield is currently rated as "Poor" by some trackers, specifically regarding PM2.5 (fine particulate matter). This is pretty common in the winter when "inversion layers" trap wood smoke and exhaust close to the ground. If you have asthma or sensitive lungs, maybe skip the outdoor jog this afternoon and hit the treadmill instead.
Final Takeaways for Your Tuesday
The weather for today in Springfield MA is a transition day. We’re moving from a dry, cold snap into a damp, unsettled period.
Layer up. Use a shell that handles moisture because that late-night drizzle is more "soaking" than "shoveling." Check your tires. If you haven't checked your pressure since the last temperature drop, they're probably low. Watch the walkways. The combination of melting snow from yesterday and freezing rain tonight is a recipe for a bruised tailbone.
Stay dry, watch the bridge decks, and don't let that 45-degree forecast tempt you into leaving your gloves in the car. It’s going to be a damp, chilly ride until tomorrow morning.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your windshield washer fluid: The road salt is going to be kicking up as the 45-degree temps melt the residue on the roads.
- Plan your commute: If you can get home before 6:00 PM, you'll miss the window where the precipitation starts mixing with the falling temperatures.
- Salt your steps now: Don't wait for the ice to form at 9:00 PM; a pre-treatment will prevent the drizzle from bonding to your stairs.