If you’ve lived in Edinburgh for more than a week, you know the drill. You look out the window, see a patch of blue, and ten minutes later you’re questioning your life choices while getting blasted by a horizontal sleet-fest. Honestly, it's just how the city breathes.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, isn't breaking that tradition. We're looking at a high of 45°F and a low of 35°F. Right now, it’s about 39°F outside. It’s chilly, sure, but it’s that damp, "creeps into your bones" kind of cold that only the East Coast of Scotland truly masters. The humidity is sitting at a whopping 99%, which basically means you’re walking through a cloud.
Breaking Down the Weather Forecast Today Edinburgh
The big headline for the weather forecast today Edinburgh is the rain. We had some light rain earlier, and the day-time chance of precipitation is pegged at 70%. It’s not a torrential downpour, but it’s consistent enough to ruin a good suede jacket. If you’re heading out, you’ve gotta be prepared for that light, misty rain that doesn’t look like much until you’re soaked through.
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The Numbers That Actually Matter
- Wind: Coming from the south at about 5 mph. It’s more of a breeze than a gale, which is a relief.
- Conditions: Daytime is mostly light rain, transitioning into a mostly cloudy night.
- UV Index: A solid 0. You don't need the SPF today.
- Visibility: The Met Office is reporting visibility as moderate or good, though it might dip to poor during the heavier patches of mist.
Most people see "45 degrees" and think it’s manageable. In Edinburgh, that's a trap. With the humidity at 98% to 99%, the air is heavy. It feels colder than the thermometer says. Plus, there's a 10% chance of snow tonight as the temperature drops toward that 35°F low. It’s unlikely to stick, but don't be shocked if you see a few white flakes dancing in the streetlights later on.
What’s Happening Across the Region?
It’s not just us. The wider "Forth" area is seeing southerly or southeasterly winds between 3 to 5 on the Beaufort scale. The sea state is slight to moderate. If you were planning a trip to the coast, expect it to be grey, damp, and perfectly atmospheric in that moody Scottish way.
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Interestingly, there's some weird space weather going on too. The Met Office actually flagged some moderate radio blackouts and potential aurora sightings for Northern Scotland yesterday and today. While Edinburgh is likely too far south and too cloudy to see the Northern Lights, it’s a reminder that the "weather" isn't just what's happening at street level.
Real Talk on Travel
If you’re trying to get somewhere, be careful. There have been reports of over 800 flight delays across the UK recently due to this persistent winter weather. Loganair even had to cancel some island flights earlier this week. While Edinburgh Airport (EGPH) is currently reporting a temperature of 28°F in some specific localized readings near the tarmac with a dew point of 21°F, the general city forecast remains slightly higher. Still, ice patches on the side streets are a very real thing when it's this damp and the temperature hovers near freezing.
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How to Handle Today
Basically, don't trust the breaks in the clouds. This is a day for layers. A waterproof shell is your best friend because umbrellas are usually useless against the wind here—though today's 5 mph wind is actually quite gentle by our standards.
If you're heading to the city center, maybe stick to the galleries or the shops on Princes Street where you can duck inside. The light rain is expected to persist through much of the afternoon.
Next Steps for Your Saturday:
- Check the local traffic reports if you’re heading toward the Bypass; spray from the rain will make visibility tricky.
- If you’re walking the dog, stick to paved paths—the Pentlands will be a literal swamp with 99% humidity and recent rain.
- Keep an eye on the sky around 8 PM; that’s when the mostly cloudy transition happens and we might see that tiny 10% chance of snow manifest.