If you’ve ever lived in or driven through the Kittitas Valley, you know the deal. One minute you're cruising through sunshine, and the next, you’re gripped by a crosswind that feels like it’s trying to shove your car into the Columbia River. Honestly, checking the weather forecast for Ellensburg Washington is less about seeing if you need a jacket and more about seeing if you’re going to be fighting for your life against a 40-mph gust on I-90.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, the valley is tucked into that classic winter "inversion" state. Today, Thursday, January 15, we're looking at a high of 46°F and a low of 32°F. It sounds mild for January, right? But the numbers don't tell the whole story. While the sun is technically "out," we've been sitting under a persistent Air Stagnation Advisory. This basically means the cold air is trapped on the valley floor, keeping things foggy and a bit hazy while the Cascades are probably basking in clear, warmer air just a few miles west.
The Reality of January in the Kittitas Valley
January is historically the cloudiest month of the year here. Around 65% of the time, the sky is just a flat, grey ceiling. If you’re visiting Central Washington University or just stopping for a bagel at D&M, you’ve gotta be ready for that bone-chilling dampness. Humidity is sitting at a whopping 85% today. That 33°F start this morning? It feels a lot colder when the air is that wet.
The weather forecast for Ellensburg Washington often shows "sunny" during these stagnant periods, but don't be shocked if you wake up to a thick wall of fog. There’s a Dense Fog Advisory active until noon today. Visibility has been dropping to less than a quarter-mile in some spots, especially near the airport and out toward Kittitas.
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Breaking Down the Next Few Days
If you're planning a trip over the pass or just want to know when to wash the road salt off your truck, here's the vibe for the upcoming week:
- Friday, Jan 16: Sunny and slightly cooler. Highs around 43°F. The stagnation might start to break, but the morning will still be crisp.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Expect a dip. Highs will struggle to hit 36°F. It’s going to be "partly sunny," which in Ellensburg speak usually means "clouds with a few desperate rays of light."
- Next Tuesday: Things get gloomy again. We're looking at a 10% chance of rain, but with temperatures hovering at 30°F, that could easily turn into a greasy layer of freezing rain on the side streets.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
You can’t talk about Ellensburg without talking about the wind. It’s the defining feature of the local climate. While the current forecast shows light winds—only about 3 mph from the east—that’s actually the exception. Usually, the wind screams through the valley at an average of 9 to 11 mph throughout the winter.
When a front actually moves in, those "light winds" disappear. I’ve seen days where the weather forecast for Ellensburg Washington predicted a calm afternoon, only for the Manastash Ridge to funnel 50-mph gusts right into downtown. It’s why all the trees in the valley have a permanent lean to the east. If the barometer starts dropping, get your patio furniture inside.
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Snow vs. Rain: The Great January Toss-up
Statistically, January is the wettest month here. We usually get about 1.98 inches of precipitation. But it’s rarely a massive snow dump all at once. It’s usually a mix. One day it’s 35°F and raining, the next it’s 22°F and snowing light, powdery flakes.
Historically, Ellensburg gets about 22 inches of snow a year. Most of that falls in December and early January. By mid-month, the "thaw and freeze" cycle kicks in. This is arguably the most dangerous part of the season for drivers. The snow melts during the 46°F afternoon, then turns into a sheet of black ice the second the sun goes down behind the mountains.
Practical Advice for Navigating Ellensburg Right Now
If you're looking at the weather forecast for Ellensburg Washington because you're headed this way, listen to a local. Don't trust the "High" temperature. That 46°F might happen for exactly twenty minutes at 2:00 PM. The rest of the day, you’ll be hovering near freezing.
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Layering is non-negotiable. You need a wind-resistant outer shell even if it’s sunny. That valley wind cuts through wool like it’s not even there. Also, keep an eye on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) cameras for Snoqualmie Pass. Often, the weather in Ellensburg is totally fine, but the pass is a nightmare of "chains required" and spin-outs.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers and Locals
- Check the Inversion: Before heading out, look at the KELN (Bowers Field) automated weather feed. If the humidity is 90%+ and the wind is dead, expect fog.
- Monitor the Air Quality: During these stagnation advisories, wood smoke and exhaust get trapped. If you have asthma, maybe skip the morning jog through Craig’s Hill today.
- Watch the Ice: Since we're hitting 46°F today but dropping to 32°F tonight, the "refreeze" is going to be nasty. Watch the shaded spots on University Way and the off-ramps of I-90.
- Prepare for the Shift: The high-pressure ridge keeping us dry right now won't last forever. By late next week (around Jan 23), the models are hinting at light snow returning. Make sure your ice scraper hasn't migrated under the passenger seat.
The Kittitas Valley is beautiful, but it's moody. Keeping a close eye on the specific nuances of the weather forecast for Ellensburg Washington—beyond just the little sun icon on your phone—is the only way to stay ahead of the "Windy-burg" surprises.