Honestly, if you stepped outside in Wilmington today, you probably felt that crisp, classic Delaware January bite. It’s been one of those days where the sun looks beautiful through a window, but the second you actually leave the house, the air reminds you exactly what month it is. We’ve had a high of 34°F today, which is basically the definition of "stay inside with a coffee" weather.
Right now, as we head into the night, things are shifting. The clear skies we saw earlier are being replaced by a thickening layer of clouds.
What’s Happening with the Weather Today Wilmington Delaware?
As of late this evening, the temperature in Wilmington is sitting at a chilly 30°F. If you’re heading out, keep in mind that the "feels like" temperature is actually closer to 25°F because of a light 5 mph breeze coming in from the south.
It’s mostly cloudy out there right now. That cloud cover is acting like a thin blanket, but it won’t stop the mercury from dropping even further. We are looking at a low of 21°F overnight. That’s a significant dip, especially if you’ve got plans late or an early start tomorrow morning.
The Snow Situation Tonight
Here is the part everyone is checking their phones for: the snow.
While the daytime was dry, the humidity is currently at 53%, and the atmosphere is priming itself. There is a 26% chance of snow after midnight. It’s not a "get the bread and milk" kind of blizzard, but it’s enough to potentially dust the windshields and make the sidewalks a bit slick by dawn.
The wind is expected to pick up slightly to about 7 mph from the south. This isn't high, but at 21°F, any movement in the air feels like a needle.
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A Look at the Numbers
If you're a data person, here is the breakdown for the rest of tonight, January 16, 2026, in Wilmington:
- Current Temp: 30°F (Feels like 25°F)
- Overnight Low: 21°F
- Sky Condition: Mostly cloudy, turning to potential snow
- Precipitation: 26% chance of snow overnight
- Wind: South at 5 to 7 mph
- Humidity: 53%
- UV Index: 0 (It's night, after all)
Basically, if you’re parking on the street, you might want to pull those wipers up just in case. A 26% chance isn't a guarantee, but Delaware weather has a way of surprising us when we get these cold overnight lows.
Why the Humidity Matters
You might notice the humidity is at 53%. In the summer, that’s a dream. In the winter, at these temperatures, it means the air has just enough moisture to create that "damp cold" that sinks into your bones. It also provides the fuel for those light snow flurries we’re expecting after midnight.
Practical Steps for Wilmington Residents
Since we are looking at a low of 21°F and a chance of light snow, here is what you actually need to do before hitting the sack:
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Check your tires. Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. If your "low pressure" light hasn't come on yet, it might tomorrow morning when that 21°F air hits.
Watch the porch steps. Even if we don't get a full inch of snow, the 26% chance of precipitation at these temperatures means any moisture can freeze into a thin, invisible layer of ice.
Pets inside. 21°F is well below the safety threshold for most outdoor pets. If you're cold, they're cold.
Prepare for Saturday. The shift tonight is just the beginning. With clouds hanging around and temperatures hovering near freezing, the transition into the weekend will stay gray and chilly.
Keep an eye on the sky after midnight. You might just see those first few flakes drifting down over the Christina River.