If you stepped outside in Westminster this morning, you probably felt that sharp, mid-January bite. It's the kind of cold that makes you second-guess your choice of a light jacket within thirty seconds. Honestly, the weather for Westminster MD right now is pretty typical for Carroll County in the dead of winter, but that doesn't make the 19°F reading on the thermometer any easier to swallow.
The wind is the real story today. We’re seeing gusts coming out of the west at about 14 mph, which has officially dropped the "feels like" temperature down to a staggering 5°F. That’s not just "chilly"—that's the kind of air that hurts your face.
What’s Actually Happening Outside
Right now, the sky is mostly cloudy, and there’s a lingering 10% chance of snow flurries as we move deeper into the night. It's been a day of shifting light, with the sun popping out just enough to be teasing before hiding behind that gray Maryland winter ceiling.
If you’re planning your Friday morning commute, keep in mind that we hit a high of only 27°F today. Tonight, the mercury is expected to bottom out around 17°F. With the humidity sitting at 48% and the UV index at a flat zero, there isn’t much to keep the warmth in once the sun dips below the horizon.
The Breakdown of Today’s Numbers
- Current Temp: 19°F
- RealFeel: 5°F
- Wind: 14 mph West
- Humidity: 48%
- Precipitation: 10% chance of snow flurries
Why Westminster Weather Is So Moody
There’s a reason people here joke about having four seasons in a single week. Westminster sits in that interesting pocket where the humid subtropical zone meets the humid continental climate. Basically, we get the worst of the humidity in July and the sharpest of the arctic blasts in January.
Historically, January is our coldest month. While our average high for this time of year is usually closer to 37°F, today’s high of 27°F shows we’re running a good bit colder than the norm. We aren't quite at record-breaking levels—the record low for January in Westminster is a bone-chilling -13°F—but 19°F is plenty cold for most of us.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
Don't expect a heatwave. The daily forecast for the rest of Thursday remains clear but frigid. The west wind is staying steady at about 18 mph, which means that wind chill isn't going anywhere.
💡 You might also like: Why Funny Quotes About Mechanics are the Only Way to Survive the Repair Shop
If you are heading out to the Carroll County Regional Airport or just driving down Main Street, watch for those "black ice" patches. Even with a low 10% chance of precipitation, any moisture from earlier flurries can freeze solid when temperatures stay this far below the freezing mark.
Survival Tips for the Westminster Cold
- The Layering Rule: Since the humidity is at 48%, the air isn't bone-dry, but it’s damp enough to pull heat away from your body. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer.
- Watch the Wind: That 14-18 mph wind is coming straight from the west. If your house faces that way, you’re likely feeling the drafts tonight.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside for five minutes without a coat, it’s too cold for the dog. Bring them in.
Make sure your outdoor faucets are covered and your car's tires are properly inflated, as the pressure drops significantly in this kind of cold. Tomorrow looks to be more of the same, so keep the heavy coat by the door.
📖 Related: Dump and go crock pot recipes: Why your slow cooker is actually a secret weapon for sanity
Check your tire pressure first thing tomorrow morning before heading out. Drastic temperature drops like the one we've seen over the last 24 hours often trigger those low-pressure sensors, and you don't want to be dealing with a flat on a 17-degree morning.