Honestly, if you've lived in the Choice City for more than a week, you know the deal. You wake up to a crisp 27°F, but the "feels like" is sitting at a biting 14°F because of that northwest wind whipping off the foothills. It’s classic Northern Colorado. One minute you’re scraping ice off the windshield, and the next, you’re wondering if it’s actually t-shirt weather.
The current weather forecast Fort Collins is showing a typical mid-January dance. Right now, it's nighttime and partly cloudy. That northwest wind is sustained at 18 mph, keeping the humidity around 42%. It’s dry. It’s cold. It’s exactly what you expect when the sun goes down in Larimer County.
The Saturday Outlook: Sun and Sustained Breezes
Today, Saturday, January 17, is looking pretty stellar if you can handle a bit of a breeze. We’re aiming for a high of 42°F. It’ll be sunny throughout the day, which—as any local will tell you—makes 40 degrees feel more like 60 in the direct sun. Just don't let the 17 mph winds catch you off guard.
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By the time tonight rolls around, it’ll clear up completely. The temperature will drop to a low of 23°F. There is zero chance of snow today. Basically, it’s a perfect day for a walk at Horsetooth Reservoir, provided you’ve got a windbreaker.
Looking Ahead: Will It Actually Snow?
Sunday starts to shift. We’re seeing a high of 50°F under partly sunny skies, which sounds like a dream for January. But keep an eye on Sunday night. There’s a 40% chance of snow showers moving in as the temperature hits 24°F.
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Monday, January 19, brings a bit of a reality check. While it’ll be sunny, the high drops back to 36°F. Earlier in the day, there's actually a 35% chance of snow. The wind shifts to come from the south at a gentle 6 mph, so it won’t feel quite as "stabby" as the northwest gusts we've been having.
Why Fort Collins Weather is So Weird
You’ve probably heard people talk about "upslope" storms or "Chinook winds." Being tucked right against the base of the Rockies means we get some of the weirdest temperature swings in the country.
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- The Foothills Effect: The mountains often "chew up" storms before they hit us, or they trap cold air against the range.
- The 300 Days of Sun Myth: Okay, it's not exactly 300 "perfect" days, but even in the dead of winter, the sun is intense. Today's UV index is a 2, which seems low, but at 5,000 feet, you still need to watch your skin.
- The Dryness: With humidity sitting at 25% today, your skin is going to feel it.
The rest of the week stays fairly consistent. Tuesday is looking warmer at 47°F, while Wednesday and Thursday hover in the low-to-mid 40s. We might see some more snow showers by Friday night when there's a 25% chance of precipitation.
How to Not Freeze Your Tail Off
If you're new here or just visiting, forget the heavy parka. You'll be sweating by noon. Layering is a religion in Fort Collins. A moisture-wicking base, a fleece, and a wind-resistant shell will get you through 90% of January days.
Also, hydrate. Seriously. Between the altitude and the low humidity (dropping to 25% today), you're losing moisture faster than you realize.
Actionable Winter Tips for Fort Collins
- Check your tire pressure. These 20-degree temperature swings will make your "low pressure" light pop on faster than you can say "Horsetooth."
- Water your trees. If we haven't had a big snow in a few weeks, your perennials and trees are thirsty. Use a bucket on a warm afternoon like today.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even when it's 42°F, that high-altitude sun is no joke during a midday hike.
- Seal those drafts. With northwest winds at 18 mph, a drafty front door can add twenty bucks to your heating bill in a weekend.
Keep an eye on that Sunday night snow chance. It's not a blizzard, but 40% is enough to make Monday morning's commute a little slick if the timing is right. Stay warm out there.