Right now, if you step outside in Washington, you’re going to feel a bite that the thermometer isn’t quite capturing. Honestly, it's one of those classic January days where the sun is mocking you. It looks beautiful through a window—bright, clear, and sunny—but the second you open the door, the wind hits your face like a wet towel in a freezer.
The current temperature in Washington is 31°F.
That sounds manageable, right? Just a hair below freezing. But there’s a catch. The "feels like" temperature is actually hovering around 20°F because of a persistent 14 mph wind coming out of the west. If you’re planning to walk the dog or head out for a coffee, that 11-degree difference is the gap between "brisk" and "painful."
What Is The Temperature In Washington Today and Tonight?
For Thursday, January 15, 2026, we’ve pretty much seen the best of the day. The high is capped at 32°F, so we are basically sitting at our peak right now. Humidity is low at 33%, which makes the air feel extra crisp and dry.
Tonight is going to be even more of a challenge for your heating bill. The sky will stay clear, but the temperature is expected to drop to a low of 23°F. Without the sun to help out, and with the wind continuing to gust, it’s going to be a "stay under the blankets" kind of night.
A Quick Reality Check on the Numbers
- Current Reading: 31°F
- Wind Chill: 20°F
- Tonight's Low: 23°F
- Wind Speed: 14-15 mph from the West
- Precipitation: 0% (It’s dry, folks)
The "Two Washingtons" Problem
When people ask what is the temperature in washington, they’re usually either talking about the District (D.C.) or the Pacific Northwest state. Interestingly, both are dealing with a cold snap right now, though they look very different.
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Over in Washington State, specifically around Seattle, it’s actually significantly warmer than the capital today. They are seeing highs near 50°F with a light north breeze. It’s a bit of a weather reversal; while the East Coast is shivering in a sunny freezer, the Northwest is enjoying a relatively mild, albeit cloudy, mid-January day.
If you are in D.C., you're dealing with the "Capital Weather Gang" reality—gusty winds and wind chills stuck in the teens and 20s. Experts at the National Weather Service note that this specific cold front is part of a broader pattern of Canadian air dipping south, which is why we're seeing these 30-degree highs instead of the more typical 43°F or 44°F average for this time of year.
Looking Ahead: Is Snow on the Way?
The big question everyone asks when it gets this cold is whether we’re going to see white stuff.
For today and tonight, the answer is a hard no. There is a 0% chance of precipitation. However, looking at the models for the next few days, things get a little "conversational," as the meteorologists like to say. There’s a tiny chance of a snow shower on Friday afternoon as the temperature climbs slightly to 38°F.
By Saturday, we might see some more clouds and a high in the mid-40s, but Sunday looks like another "close call" storm developing offshore. Whether that stays out at sea or creeps into the Beltway is still a coin flip.
Actionable Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
Don't just look at the 31°F and think a light jacket is enough.
- Cover your extremities. With a 20°F wind chill, exposed skin loses heat fast. Gloves are a non-negotiable today.
- Check your tires. Rapid drops in temperature like we're seeing today can trigger your "low tire pressure" light as the air inside compresses.
- Humidity hack. Since the humidity is so low (33%), your skin is going to get trashed. Use a heavier moisturizer than usual before you head out into that west wind.
- Pet safety. If it's too cold for you to stand outside without a coat for ten minutes, it's too cold for your pets. Keep the walks short until the wind dies down tonight.
Basically, today is a day for layers and indoor hobbies. The sun is out, which is great for the mood, but the air is strictly winter-tier. Stay warm, keep an eye on those overnight lows of 23°F, and maybe double-check your antifreeze levels if you haven't lately.