You’ve stepped outside today in Dover and probably felt that immediate, sharp slap of cold air right across your face. It’s January 15, 2026, and honestly, the "feels like" temperature is doing most of the talking. While the thermometer might technically claim we are in the mid-30s, the reality on the ground feels a lot more like a deep freeze.
The Actual Weather in Dover Delaware Today
If you’re looking at the raw numbers, the high for today is struggling to hit 35°F. That sounds manageable on paper, but the west wind is the real protagonist of the day. We are seeing sustained winds at 17 mph, with gusts frequently punching higher. This isn't just a "breeze." It’s the kind of wind that cuts through a standard fleece like it isn't even there.
By the time you factor in that wind chill, it feels more like 26°F or even lower if you’re standing in a drafty spot near Legislative Mall.
The sky is basically playing a game of peek-a-boo. We started with some lingering cloud cover this morning, but it's shifting into a mostly sunny afternoon. Don't let the bright light fool you, though. It’s a "cold sun." It looks beautiful through a window, but it’s providing zero actual warmth once you step out.
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Tonight is going to be even more brutal. We’re looking at a low of 21°F. If you haven't checked your outdoor pipes or made sure the pets are tucked away inside, now is the time. The humidity is sitting around 40%, which is actually quite dry for our neck of the woods, making the air feel even "thinner" and sharper.
Why the Wind in Dover is Different Today
Most people think of Delaware as flat and coastal, which it is, but that’s exactly why today feels so biting. Without significant elevation to break it up, that west wind is coming straight across the Delmarva Peninsula.
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There is actually a Small Craft Advisory in effect until 6:00 PM tonight for the Delaware Bay. If you were thinking about heading out toward the water, just... don't. We've got a Gale Warning kicking in right after that, lasting until tomorrow morning. We’re talking about gusts up to 35 knots. That is enough to make any boat ride a nightmare and makes the air near the coast feel significantly colder than it does in the heart of downtown.
Quick Glance at the Numbers
- Daytime High: 35°F
- Overnight Low: 21°F
- Wind Speed: 17 mph (West)
- Precipitation: 5% (Basically zero)
- UV Index: 2 (Low, but still there)
What to Wear if You’re Heading Out
Basically, you need layers that stop the wind. A thick wool sweater is great, but without a windbreaker or a shell over it, the wind will just whistle through the knit. You want a "hard shell" outer layer today.
And don't ignore your extremities. The air is dry enough that your skin will start to crack if you’re out for more than twenty minutes. Gloves are a must, not an option.
The Polar Vortex and the Warming Centers
There is a lot of chatter right now about the polar vortex pushing frigid air down into the Northeast. It’s not just "winter as usual." The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has actually opened eight warming stations across the state today. This is a serious response to a dangerous cold snap. If you know anyone who is vulnerable or doesn't have reliable heating, these centers are literally lifesavers.
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Looking Ahead: Is Snow Coming?
Everyone in Dover always asks the same thing: "When are we getting the real snow?"
Today is dry, but if you look at the forecast for Saturday, January 17, things get interesting. There’s a clipper system moving in that could bring a mix of rain and snow. It’s likely going to be a "dusting to an inch" situation, but given how cold the ground is getting today and tonight, whatever falls is going to stick almost instantly.
Tomorrow, Friday, will stay sunny but remain chilly with a high of 37°F. It’s a brief window of stability before that weekend system complicates your travel plans.
Actionable Steps for Dover Residents Today
- Check your tires: Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. If your "low pressure" light came on this morning, it’s not a glitch; it’s the physics of cold air.
- Protect the pipes: If you have an older home in the historic district, leave a tiny drip in your faucets tonight. 21°F is cold enough to cause issues in uninsulated crawlspaces.
- Windproof your walk: If you're walking the dog, aim for the side of the street shielded by buildings. That 17 mph wind is the biggest threat to your comfort today.
- Salt the North sides: If you have any lingering damp spots on northern-facing stairs or walkways, they will be solid ice by 8:00 PM tonight. Toss some salt down now while the sun is still up.
The weather in Dover Delaware today is a classic Mid-Atlantic winter trap—it looks like a nice day through the glass, but the wind and the falling temperatures are no joke. Stay inside if you can, and if you can't, layer up like you're heading to the tundra.