Honestly, if you’re planning a trip to Tappahannock or just trying to figure out if you can finally wash the salt off your truck, the local atmosphere is kinda doing its own thing right now. Tappahannock sits right there on the Rappahannock River, and that water has a way of messing with the local microclimate. You can check a big-box weather app, but it usually misses the nuance of the "Rivah" life.
What’s actually happening right now?
As of early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, it is currently 36°F outside. But don't let that number fool you. With the wind coming out of the southwest at 10 mph, it actually feels more like 28°F. It’s the kind of damp cold that gets into your bones if you aren't wearing the right layers. The sky is mostly covered in clouds, and while there’s a tiny 2% chance of a stray snowflake or two right this second, it’s mostly just a quiet, chilly night. Humidity is sitting at a crisp 34%, so you might notice that static shock when you grab your car keys.
The Saturday breakdown (Today, Jan 17)
Today is going to be a bit of a transition day. We’re looking at a high of 47°F, which isn't exactly beach weather, but it’s a lot better than the 20-degree lows we saw yesterday. The clouds are going to stick around all day.
Here is where it gets interesting: the moisture starts moving in. By the time the sun goes down, things get messy. We’re looking at a 65% chance of a rain and snow mix tonight. The temperature will hover right around 33°F, which is that annoying sweet spot where things get slushy and slippery. If you’re heading out to dinner at one of the spots on Prince Street, keep an eye on those sidewalks.
Sunday’s "Slush-fest" (Jan 18)
Tomorrow, Sunday, is looking pretty grey. The high only hits 35°F. That rain and snow mix is expected to continue through the day with a 35% chance of precipitation. It’s not a blizzard, but with humidity spiking to 82%, it’s going to feel heavy and cold. The wind shifts to the north at 8 mph, bringing in a much colder air mass for the start of the week. By Sunday night, it drops to a shivering 21°F.
👉 See also: How do popes get chosen? The real story behind the red hats and the smoke
Looking at the Week Ahead: A Quick Snapshot
| Day | Condition | High/Low | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday (MLK Day) | Sunny | 41°F / 20°F | SW 11 mph |
| Tuesday | Sunny & Cold | 31°F / 18°F | NW 10 mph |
| Wednesday | Sunny | 43°F / 19°F | S 12 mph |
| Thursday | Rain/Snow Mix | 43°F / 28°F | W 9 mph |
The MLK Day Outlook and Beyond
For those of you off on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the weather is actually cooperating for outdoor plans—sorta. It’ll be sunny with a high of 41°F. It’s a dry cold, perfect for a walk through the Rappahannock River Park, provided you’ve got a heavy coat.
Tuesday is the real "stay inside and drink cocoa" day. The high won't even break freezing, topping out at 31°F. With a low of 18°F that night, make sure your outdoor pipes are protected. We see a bit of a bounce back on Wednesday before another system moves in on Thursday, bringing more of that classic Virginia winter "maybe rain, maybe snow" combo.
🔗 Read more: Show Me How to Tie a Necktie: What Most People Get Wrong
Survival Tips for Tappahannock Winters
People always underestimate how much the river affects the "feels like" temp. Even when the sun is out, if you’re near the water, that breeze carries a bite.
- Check the UV Index: Even today, the UV index is 1, and it hits 2 on Monday. It sounds low, but if you’re out on a boat or near the water, the reflection can still give you a surprise burn if you’re out for hours.
- Watch the Bridges: When we have these "rain and snow" mixes like the one tonight (Jan 17), the bridges over the Rappahannock freeze way before the actual roads.
- Layer Up: Honestly, the 47-degree high today feels vastly different than the 41-degree high on Monday because of the humidity shift. Monday will feel "crisp," while today feels "damp."
The best move for this weekend? Plan your outdoor errands for Saturday afternoon before the slush starts tonight. If you're looking for something to do, Monday is your best bet for a clear, sunny winter stroll. Just keep the gloves handy.
Actionable Next Steps: Check your antifreeze levels this afternoon while it's still 47°F. Since the temperature is going to plummet to 18°F by Tuesday, you don't want to be caught with a cracked block or a dead battery in the middle of a work week.