Honestly, if you're living in Williamsport right now, you've probably noticed that bone-chilling bite in the air. It’s that classic Maryland January vibe where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket and the wind coming off the Potomac River feels like it’s personally trying to ruin your day.
Right now, we are sitting at a crisp 26°F. But here’s the kicker: with that northwest wind humping along at 5 mph, it actually feels like 21°F. It's mostly cloudy tonight, and while there's a tiny 10% chance of a stray snowflake hitting your windshield, we aren't exactly looking at a blizzard.
Basically, it's just cold.
What the Next Few Days Look Like
If you were hoping for a heat wave, I’ve got some bad news. We’re stuck in a bit of a refrigerator.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is looking bright but deceptive. We’ll see a high of 35°F with plenty of sun, but don’t let that sunshine fool you into leaving your heavy coat at home. The low is going to bottom out at 14°F Monday night. That’s "pipe-freezing" territory for some of the older homes near the C&O Canal.
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By Tuesday, things get even more intense. We're looking at a high of only 25°F. Most people think 32°F is the magic number for "cold," but when you’re stuck in the mid-twenties all day with a west wind, it’s a different kind of tired-of-winter feeling.
- Monday: High 35°F / Low 14°F (Sunny)
- Tuesday: High 25°F / Low 11°F (Very cold, but clear)
- Wednesday: High 39°F / Low 12°F (A slight warmup, mostly cloudy)
The humidity is hovering around 55% tonight, which is why the air feels a bit heavy even though it's freezing. It's interesting—Williamsport’s position right in the valley makes our weather a bit more stubborn than what you might see further east toward Frederick or south into Virginia.
The Potomac Factor
You can't talk about weather for Williamsport Maryland without checking in on the river. The Potomac is the heart of the town, but it's also the biggest variable.
Currently, the river at Williamsport is looking stable. According to the latest NOAA data, there are no watches or warnings in effect. That’s a relief, because we’ve all seen what happens when the snow melts too fast or a big rain system moves in. When the river hits 29 feet, it starts swallowing the C&O Canal towpath. At 32 feet, the Cushwa visitor center starts getting water in the door.
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Thankfully, with the current 10-day forecast showing mostly small chances of snow and very little heavy rain, the river should stay well behaved.
Snow: Expect the "Dusting"
January is historically our cloudiest month, and 2026 is holding true to form. We're seeing about a 10% to 20% chance of snow showers off and on through the week. Saturday, January 24, looks like the most "active" day with a 20% chance of snow showers at night and a high of only 19°F.
That is legit cold.
If you're planning on hiking the Conococheague Aqueduct or walking the towpath, just be aware that these freezing temperatures followed by tiny bits of moisture create a nasty layer of "black ice" on the stone surfaces. It's sneaky.
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Real Advice for the Week Ahead
So, what should you actually do? First, check your outdoor spigots. With a low of 11°F coming Tuesday night, any water trapped in those lines is going to expand. It’s better to spend two minutes disconnecting a hose now than two days dealing with a plumber later.
Keep an eye on the wind, too. We’re seeing gusts around 17-18 mph early in the week. In a town with as many beautiful, old trees as Williamsport, those "minor" gusts can still knock down dead limbs if the wood is brittle from the freeze.
Basically, stay warm, keep your pets inside during those mid-teen nights, and maybe grab an extra bag of salt for the sidewalk. Winter is officially digging in its heels.
Next Steps for Staying Safe:
- Verify your heating: If you haven't serviced your furnace, these 11°F nights will be the ultimate stress test.
- Towpath check: If you're walking the C&O, stick to the inland side of the path to avoid slick spots near the water's edge.
- Potomac Monitoring: Check the NOAA gauge at Williamsport if we get any unexpected warm-up, as ice jams can cause sudden local rises.