If you’re looking out the window in Erie today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, and thinking the clouds look a bit heavy, you’re basically right on the money. It’s one of those classic mid-January days where the sky just hangs there. Honestly, if you grew up here, you know the drill.
The thermometer might say 21°F right now, but that’s a total lie.
Because of that 10 mph wind coming off the southwest, it actually feels like 9°F. That is a massive difference when you're just trying to walk from your car into Wegmans without losing feeling in your ears. Most people check the "high" and think, "Oh, 35°F isn't too bad for January," but the reality is much crispier.
What’s Actually Happening with the Weather in Erie PA Today
Current conditions are sitting at "mostly cloudy," which is basically the official mascot of Erie in the winter. Humidity is hovering around 70%. It’s damp. It’s cold. It’s exactly what you’d expect.
We had a bit of a high earlier today reaching 35°F, but as we roll through the night, things are dropping fast. We’re looking at a low of 15°F before the sun—or what passes for it—comes back up tomorrow.
The Snow Situation
You might see a few flakes. There’s about a 10% chance of snow right now, which honestly usually means "a light dusting on your windshield that you can probably just use the wipers for." Earlier today, that chance was closer to 35%, but the energy has kinda petered out for the evening.
- Wind Speed: 10 mph (Southwest)
- Current Temp: 21°F
- RealFeel: 9°F
- Visibility: Clear enough for the Bayfront Parkway, but keep an eye out for bridges freezing over.
The National Weather Service out of Cleveland has been keeping a close watch on the lake effect patterns. While we aren't under a major warning right this second, those southwest winds are notorious for shifting just enough to dump a surprise inch of powder on Millcreek while leaving downtown completely dry.
Why the Wind Chill is a Problem Tonight
Basically, the wind is the real enemy.
At 10 mph, it’s not a gale, but it’s steady. Combined with the 70% humidity, that cold air just clings to everything. If you've got exposed pipes in the basement or a drafty front door, you've probably already noticed the furnace working overtime.
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According to local data from the Erie International Airport (KERI), we’ve seen some gusts reach higher earlier today, but it’s settled into a more consistent, biting breeze now.
It’s the kind of weather where you think you don't need the heavy parka for a quick trip to the mailbox, and then you immediately regret that life choice.
Looking Toward Tomorrow
Sunday is looking even colder. While today’s high was 35°F, tomorrow's peak is only hitting 22°F. If you have plans to be out at Presque Isle or doing anything near the water, just know that the wind chill is going to stay in the single digits or even dip into the negatives by early morning.
Honestly, today is the "warm" day compared to what’s coming for the rest of the week.
Survival Tips for the 9-Degree RealFeel
Since the weather in Erie PA today is leaning heavily into the "stay inside and watch Netflix" category, here’s how to handle the next few hours:
- Check your tire pressure. These 20-degree drops in temperature make that "low air" light pop on like clockwork.
- Layering is better than one big coat. A thermal base layer under a hoodie is going to trap more heat than just throwing on a heavy jacket over a t-shirt.
- Watch the black ice. With the temperature hovering so close to the freezing mark earlier and then dropping to 21°F, any slush from the afternoon is now a solid sheet of ice. The side streets near Gannon and Mercyhurst are usually the worst for this.
Tomorrow is going to bring more of the same, with a 20% chance of snow and even lower temperatures. Basically, January in Erie is finally acting like January in Erie.
Actionable Next Steps:
Make sure you have your scraper in the car tonight—not just in the trunk, but actually reachable. The humidity is high enough that you'll likely wake up to a thick layer of frost or "frozen fog" on your windshield. If you’re heading out early Sunday morning, give your car an extra 10 minutes to defrost so you aren't driving through a tiny porthole in the ice.