Honestly, if you've lived in the Piedmont for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up to a "wintry mix" and by lunchtime, you're considering short sleeves. It’s wild.
Right now, the weather forecast Winston Salem NC is serving up a classic mid-January curveball. As of tonight, January 18, 2026, we’re sitting at 38°F under a stubborn blanket of clouds. There’s a north wind at 4 mph, which isn't exactly a gale, but with 77% humidity, that damp cold just seeps into your bones. It’s that "stay inside and make a pot of chili" kind of night.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow or Just Hype?
We’ve got a 13% chance of snow tonight. Basically, don't get your hopes up for a sledding day quite yet. Looking at Sunday, the high is only hitting 39°F with a 25% chance of light snow during the day. If anything sticks, it'll likely be on the grass and gone by dinner. The overnight low drops to 27°F, and the sky is expected to clear out.
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Monday is looking much brighter. We’re talking a high of 44°F and full-on sunny skies. Perfect for a walk at Old Salem, though you'll definitely want a heavy coat because the west wind is going to be kicking at 13 mph.
Why Winston-Salem Weather is Such a Headache
People always talk about "The Wedge." If you're new here, it’s basically when cold air gets trapped against the mountains and stays put while warmer air rides over the top. It’s why we get ice when Charlotte gets rain and Greensboro gets snow. It's a mess.
The 2025-2026 winter season is being heavily influenced by a La Niña pattern. Historically, that means we should be drier than average. The National Weather Service and the NC State Climate Office have been tracking this for months. While we might see the occasional "clipper" system bring a dusting of snow, the overall trend for the Carolinas this year is leaning toward expanding drought conditions.
- Sunday (Today): High of 39°F, Low of 27°F. Light snow likely during the day.
- Monday (Tomorrow): High of 44°F, Low of 23°F. Sunny but windy.
- Tuesday: High of 37°F, Low of 22°F. Crisp and clear.
Misconceptions About Our Winter
Most people think North Carolina winters are mild. Sorta. While our average January high is usually around 49°F, we can easily swing into the teens. This week is a perfect example of that volatility. By Thursday, we’re actually forecasting a high of 51°F, which is a massive jump from Tuesday's frigid 37°F.
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It’s the humidity that really gets you here. Unlike a "dry cold" out west, the moisture in the Piedmont air makes 38°F feel significantly colder.
Planning Your Week
If you're planning any outdoor projects, Wednesday through Friday looks like your best bet. Wednesday will be cloudy with a high of 43°F, but Thursday jumps to 51°F with clear skies.
Just keep an eye on next Monday, January 26. The current models are showing a 65% chance of rain with a high of only 36°F. That’s a recipe for some nasty, slushy roads if the timing shifts just a little bit.
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Actionable Tips for the Next 48 Hours:
- Drip those faucets: We're looking at lows in the low 20s (specifically 23°F Monday night and 22°F Tuesday). If you have exposed pipes, don't risk it.
- Check the tire pressure: These rapid temperature swings from the 50s down to the 20s will trigger that annoying "low tire" light on your dashboard.
- Layer up: With winds hitting 13 mph on Monday, that 44°F high is going to feel more like the mid-30s.
The weather forecast Winston Salem NC is never a "set it and forget it" situation. Keep your ice scraper in the car and your heavy coat by the door. You’re gonna need both before the week is out.