Living in the "Silver City" means you’ve basically made a pact with the weather gods to expect the unexpected. Honestly, if you don't like what's happening outside your window right now, just grab a coffee and wait twenty minutes. Taunton has this weird, specific vibe where the Atlantic ocean tries to keep things mild, but the cold air from the Berkshires has other plans. It’s a tug-of-war.
Today, January 15, 2026, we're seeing that classic New England split. It’s partly sunny with a high of 48°F, but don't get too comfortable. By tonight, the floor drops out and we're looking at a low of 22°F. It’s the kind of day where you wear a heavy coat in the morning, toss it in the backseat by noon, and regret your entire life choices by the time you're heading home from work.
What Most People Get Wrong About Taunton Winters
People think the weather in Taunton MA is exactly like Boston. It isn’t. We’re tucked just far enough inland in Bristol County that we often miss the "ocean buffer" that keeps the coast a few degrees warmer. When Boston is getting a slushy mix, Taunton is frequently getting hammered with the real, fluffy white stuff.
January is officially our coldest month. You’re looking at average highs of 38°F and lows that hover around 22°F. But averages are liars. Last year, we had a week where the wind chill made it feel like -10°F, and then three days later, people were walking around the Green in light hoodies.
💡 You might also like: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Snow vs. Ice: The Real Bristol County Struggle
The snowfall here averages about 31 inches a year. That sounds manageable until you remember the Blizzard of ’78 or even the "Snowtober" event in 2011 that Joseph Dellicarpini from the National Weather Service in Taunton (back when the office was actually located here!) famously documented.
- Nor'easters: These are the big bosses. They suck up moisture from the Atlantic and dump it right on us.
- Ice Jams: The Taunton River is beautiful, but in March, when the snow melts and the rain hits, the ice can jam up and cause some nasty local flooding.
- The "Dry" Snow: Usually happens in late January when the air is super crisp.
Survival Guide for the Four Seasons
Spring in Taunton is... well, it's mostly mud. We call it "The Fifth Season." Technically, it starts in mid-March, but you’ll likely see snow on the ground through April Fool’s Day. I’ve seen it happen more times than I care to count. By May, the rainfall kicks in—March and May are usually our wettest months, averaging nearly 5 inches of rain each. If you're near the Mill River or the lower parts of the Taunton River, you've gotta keep an eye on the basement.
Summer Heat and Humidity
June through September is the "Warm Season." July is the hottest, with an average high of 83°F. It gets humid. Like, "I need a second shower after walking to the mailbox" humid. Because we’re in a bit of a low-lying area, the heat tends to sit.
📖 Related: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
Thunderstorms here can be aggressive. We aren't exactly "Tornado Alley," but the 1953 Worcester tornado and various microbursts in recent years show that the Old Colony region isn't immune to violent wind. If the sky turns that weird bruised purple color around 4:00 PM in August, it's time to bring the patio furniture inside.
Fall: The Only Time Everything Is Perfect
September and October are the reason we live here. The air clears up—September is actually the clearest month of the year with about 62% sunshine. The humidity vanishes. You get those crisp 60-degree days that are perfect for hitting the local trails or grabbing a cider.
Historic Weather Events That Taunton Won't Forget
Taunton has a long memory when it comes to "The Big Ones." We aren't just talking about a little rain.
👉 See also: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
- The Great Flood of 1886: This is the benchmark. The city basically became a series of islands.
- The Hurricane of 1938: This storm changed the landscape of New England. It blew foundations right off the ground.
- Hurricane Diane (1955): This one holds the record for the wettest storm to ever hit the state, dumping nearly 20 inches of rain in some spots.
Practical Tips for Handling Taunton Weather Right Now
If you're new to the area or just trying to survive another season, there are a few things that are non-negotiable.
Layering is a science. You need a moisture-wicking base because you will sweat while shoveling, and that sweat turns into ice the second you stop moving. Follow it with fleece and a windproof shell.
Winterize your vehicle. Keep your gas tank at least half-full. It’s not just about running out; it prevents the gas lines from freezing up when the temp hits those single digits. Also, check your tires. The hills around Taunton aren't huge, but they get slick fast.
Watch the "Feels Like" Temp. Today's 48°F feels like 39°F because of the 15 mph southwest wind. Don't look at the big number on your app; look at the wind chill. That's the one that'll get you.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your sump pump: With the rain and snow mix expected this Saturday (Jan 17), make sure your basement is ready for the runoff.
- Swap your wipers: If they’re streaking now, they’ll fail you during the light snow forecast for Friday night.
- Inventory your salt: We’re entering the peak "freeze-thaw" cycle where the sidewalk turns into a skating rink overnight.
- Monitor the Taunton River levels: If you live in a low-lying zone, keep the NOAA hydrograph bookmarked for the spring thaw.