Cowtown weather is basically a mood swing you can't predict.
Honestly, if you're asking about the temperature in Fort Worth right now, you’ve probably realized that "winter" here is more of a suggestion than a rule. As of today, January 16, 2026, the current reading is 51°F. It’s nighttime, the sky is clear, and there’s a light 9 mph breeze coming out of the south. Sounds peaceful, right?
But here’s the thing about North Texas: that 51°F is just a snapshot. By the time you finish your coffee tomorrow morning, everything could be different.
The Current Rollercoaster
Right now, we’re sitting in a weirdly comfortable spot. Today’s high hit 57°F, which is exactly the historical average for January in these parts. But don’t get too cozy.
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Tonight, the mercury is expected to dip to about 35°F. Tomorrow, Friday, we're looking at a sunny high of 57°F again, but the wind is going to shift. It’ll be coming out of the north at a much punchier 17 mph. That’s the "North Texas Hello"—a cold front that drops in uninvited.
By Saturday, the high won't even break 44°F. That’s a 13-degree drop in 24 hours. If you’ve lived here for more than a week, you know the drill: keep a parka in the trunk next to your flip-flops.
What to Expect This Week
- Friday, Jan 16: High of 57°F, Low of 35°F. Sunny but windy.
- Saturday, Jan 17: High of 44°F, Low of 30°F. Cloudy and legitimately cold.
- Sunday, Jan 18: High of 61°F, Low of 29°F. Back to sunny and mild.
- Monday, Jan 19: High of 50°F, Low of 34°F. Cloudy skies return.
Why Does it Flip-Flop?
Fort Worth sits in a geographic "no-man's land" for weather. There are no mountains to block the arctic blasts coming down from Canada, and nothing to stop the humid, warm air flowing up from the Gulf of Mexico.
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When those two meet? Chaos.
The National Weather Service records for the DFW area show just how extreme it can get. Back in 1911, Fort Worth hit a staggering 93°F in January. On the flip side, the record low for the month is -2°F, set in 1949 and tied in 2021. That’s nearly a 100-degree variance for the exact same month.
People always talk about the 2021 "Uri" winter storm. It’s the benchmark for modern Texas weather trauma. But historically, we’ve had colder. On February 12, 1899, it hit -8°F.
January Averages (The "Normal" Stuff)
If you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out your wardrobe, here’s the general baseline. Most January days in Fort Worth look like this:
- Average High: 57°F
- Average Low: 36°F
- Average Humidity: Roughly 62%
- Rain Chance: Pretty low. We usually only get about 2 inches of rain the whole month.
Most days are "moderately chilly," as the folks over at Wanderlog put it. It’s not "New England cold," but the wind makes it bite. The wind speed averages about 10-15 mph this time of year, which can turn a 50-degree day into a "where's my scarf" day real quick.
Dealing with the Swing
Living here means mastering the art of the layer.
You’ll start the day in a heavy coat because it’s 32°F at 7:00 AM. By 2:00 PM, it’s 65°F and you’re sweating in your car. Then, a cold front hits at 5:00 PM, and you’re back to freezing.
It’s actually kind of a local sport to complain about it. But the upside? We get these "False Springs" where it hits 75°F in the middle of January, and everyone in the city heads to the Trinity Trails or the Stockyards to soak up the sun.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the wind, not just the temp. A 50-degree day with a 20 mph North wind feels like 35°F. Check the "Feels Like" or "Wind Chill" before heading out.
- Download a local radar app. National apps are okay, but local stations like NBC 5 or WFAA tend to be more dialed into the specific micro-climates of Tarrant County.
- Protect your pipes. If the forecast shows a low below 30°F (like we're seeing this Sunday morning), make sure your outdoor faucets are covered.
- Hydrate your plants. Weirdly, plants need more water before a freeze to help insulate the roots.
The temperature in Fort Worth is never just one thing. It's a moving target. Grab a light jacket, keep your sunglasses handy, and just wait five minutes—it'll change.