Honestly, if you're living in or around the First State, you know that January is basically a roll of the dice. But tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026, things are looking pretty specific for the Wilmington area. We’re coming off a weekend where the National Weather Service had us under a Winter Weather Advisory, and if you saw any of those snow squalls earlier, you’ve probably been bracing for a mess.
Kinda surprisingly, the weather tomorrow in Wilmington Delaware is going to be a lot brighter than it feels right now. We are looking at a forecast that is essentially "sunny but biting." The sky will be clear, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a good day for a light jacket. It’s going to be cold. Like, "don't forget your gloves" cold.
The Brutal Reality of the Numbers
Let's get into the actual data. For Monday, the high temperature is topping out at exactly 36°F. That might sound manageable, but the low is dropping down to a crisp 17°F.
When you factor in the wind, it’s going to feel even sharper. We're expecting southwest winds at about 14 mph. If you’ve ever walked down Market Street when the wind tunnels through the buildings, you know that a 14-mph wind at 36 degrees feels more like the mid-20s.
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Basically, the humidity is sitting at 54%, which is relatively dry for us. The UV index is a 2, so while it’s sunny, you aren’t going to be catching a tan. It’s just that bright, blinding winter sun that makes it hard to see the road when you’re driving west in the afternoon.
Why the Forecast Matters Tomorrow
Tomorrow isn't just any Monday; it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A lot of people have the day off, and there are usually plenty of community service events happening around town. If you’re planning on being outdoors for a "Day of Service," you need to layer up.
There was a lot of talk about snow earlier in the week, and while we had some flakes over the weekend, the chance of precipitation tomorrow is a tiny 5%. That applies to both the day and night. So, effectively, it’s dry. You won't be shoveling, but you will be shivering.
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Breaking Down the Hourly Vibe
Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): This is the danger zone. Temperatures will be hovering near that 17°F mark. If you’re heading out early, the air is going to be incredibly stagnant and freezing.
Mid-day (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): This is when we hit that 36°F "peak." It’s the warmest the day gets. If you have errands at the Riverfront or need to walk the dog at Rockford Park, this is your window.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): The sun goes down, and the temperature craters. The sky stays clear, which sounds nice, but it actually means all the heat from the day escapes into the atmosphere. It gets cold fast.
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What People Often Miss About Wilmington Winters
People often think Delaware is "south" enough to avoid the worst of the Arctic air, but we get caught in this weird transition zone. According to recent data from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, warming stations have actually been active lately because of the "dangerously cold temperatures" we've been hitting.
Even though tomorrow is sunny, the ground is likely still cold enough from the weekend's rain and snow mix to keep things icy in the shadows. Watch your step on the sidewalks near the Christiana River or any of the older cobblestone sections in the city.
The southwest wind is a bit of a saving grace—usually, if it were coming from the Northwest, we’d be looking at single digits. But 14 mph is enough to make any exposed skin feel it.
Your Game Plan for Monday
If you’re heading out, here is what you actually need to do to handle the weather tomorrow in Wilmington Delaware like a local who knows what's up:
- Layering is non-negotiable: Start with a thermal base. The jump from 17 to 36 degrees is significant enough that you’ll want to be able to shed a layer if you’re moving around a lot.
- Tire Pressure Check: These sudden drops into the teens are notorious for triggering that annoying "low tire pressure" light on your dashboard. Check them before you start a long drive.
- Sunglasses are a must: With a UV index of 2 and clear skies, the winter glare off any leftover slush or white surfaces is going to be intense.
- Pet Safety: If you're walking your dog on the paved trails at Alapocas Run, keep it brief. 17 degrees is tough on paws, even if the sun is out.
Stay warm out there. It’s going to be a beautiful day to look at from inside a coffee shop, but a rugged one if you're out in the wind for too long.