Honestly, if you've spent any time in the Mum City, you know the drill. One minute you're grabbing a coffee on North Main Street in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re digging the heavy scraper out of the trunk because a "dusting" turned into four inches of heavy slush. It is mid-January, after all.
Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, we’re looking at a bit of a gray ceiling over Bristol. The clouds are hanging low, and while the temperature peaked near 45°F earlier this afternoon, it’s not exactly "balmy." A southwest wind around 4 to 7 mph is keeping things moving, but the real story starts tonight.
If you’re heading out to dinner or picking up the kids from practice, keep an eye on the clock. We’re expecting a shift as the sun goes down.
Breaking down the weather forecast for Bristol Connecticut right now
The transition tonight is where it gets tricky. We’ve got about a 35% chance of light rain through the evening, but as the thermometer dips toward a low of 38°F, that moisture is likely to transition into a wintry mix or light snow. It’s that classic Connecticut "betwixt and between" weather where the roads look just wet, but the bridges might be starting to glaze over.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, things sort of settle into a standard winter pattern. We’re looking at a high of 43°F with some "peeks" of sun, though the wind is going to kick up a notch. Southwest gusts could hit 13 mph, making that 43 feel a lot more like 30.
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By Friday and Saturday, the real cold starts to bite. We’re looking at daytime highs that won't even break the freezing mark, hovering around 31°F and 35°F respectively. Saturday actually carries a 40% chance of snow showers, so don't be surprised if the weekend plans involve a bit of shoveling.
Why Bristol’s location makes the forecast so weird
Ever wonder why Hartford gets a foot of snow and Bristol gets six inches of rain? Or vice versa? It's basically our geography.
Bristol sits in that interesting spot in Hartford County where we’re not quite in the "Northwest Hills," but we’re high enough to miss some of the coastal warming that hits places like New Haven. We get a mix of continental air masses coming down from Canada and moisture-heavy systems moving up the coast.
According to climatology data from sources like WeatherSpark and the Connecticut State Climate Center, January is officially our coldest month. The average high is typically 34°F, which means this week's 45°F was a bit of a gift. But historically, the temperature drops off a cliff toward the end of the month.
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What to expect for the rest of January 2026
If you’re a fan of the cold, you’re going to love next week. If not, maybe stock up on cocoa now.
- The Big Dip: Starting Sunday, January 18, we enter a cooling trend that looks pretty sustained.
- Single Digit Nights: By Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21), we are looking at overnight lows between 10°F and 11°F. That is "pipes-freeze" territory.
- The Snow Threat: There's a signal for a more significant snow event toward the end of next week, specifically Saturday, January 24.
The probability of precipitation for January in Bristol usually hovers around 29% on any given day. This year, we’re seeing a slightly more active jet stream, which is keeping these small systems rolling through every two or three days.
Expert Tips for Bristol Residents This Week
Since we’re dealing with a lot of "freeze-thaw" cycles this week—where it rains during the day and freezes at night—the biggest hazard isn't the snow. It's the black ice.
Check your tire pressure. When the temp drops from 45°F to 15°F in 48 hours, your "low pressure" light is almost guaranteed to pop on. It's just physics. Also, if you’re using salt on your driveway, remember that standard rock salt (sodium chloride) stops being effective once the temperature drops below 15°F. You’ll want to switch to calcium chloride if you’re trying to melt ice during those deep freezes coming next Tuesday.
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Layering is basically a lifestyle choice here. A base layer that wicks moisture is better than one giant heavy coat if you’re going to be moving between the car, the office, and the grocery store.
Basically, keep the boots by the door and the scraper in the car. The weather forecast for Bristol Connecticut is looking like a rollercoaster for the next ten days, transitioning from damp and "mild-ish" to proper, bone-chilling New England winter.
Next Steps for Bristol Residents:
- Clear your storm drains today while the ice is melted to prevent localized flooding during tonight's rain.
- Check the antifreeze levels in your vehicle before the 10°F lows arrive next Tuesday.
- If you have outdoor pets, ensure their water bowls are heated or checked frequently as the deep freeze begins this weekend.