If you stepped outside in Wilmington this morning, you probably noticed that biting chill. It’s January 14, 2026, and the city is currently caught in a classic Delaware winter tug-of-war. We are looking at a day that starts off gray and gloomy but holds a few surprises as we head toward the evening hours.
Honestly, it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to keep the kettle on all day.
Right now, we are sitting at a crisp 42°F near the airport, though with a light breeze coming out of the southwest, it feels more like 37°F. You’ve got that heavy, overcast sky that Wilmington is famous for in the winter—that "permacloud" look that stretches from the Brandywine down to the Riverfront. It’s mostly cloudy, and it’s staying that way for the bulk of the day.
What to Expect from Wilmington Delaware Weather Today
The big story for today is a gradual warm-up that feels almost out of place for the middle of January. While the morning started off in the low 40s, we are actually going to see the mercury climb to a high of 54°F by the mid-afternoon.
That is significantly warmer than our typical January average high of about 40°F.
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Don’t get too comfortable, though. While the afternoon might feel relatively mild compared to the deep freeze we often get this time of year, it’s going to be a damp, "raw" kind of warmth. The humidity is hovering around 61%, and it’s likely to climb as we move into the night.
The Evening Breakdown
If you have plans to head out to Market Street for dinner or a show, keep an eye on the radar. Things start to get a bit messy after sunset.
- Cloud Cover: It remains at a near-total 94% to 96% throughout the day. Don't expect to see the sun peeking through.
- Winds: We’re looking at gentle winds from the south-southwest at about 6 to 7 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to keep the dampness moving.
- Precipitation: This is the part to watch. While the daytime chance of rain is a low 10%, those odds jump to 25-30% once the sun goes down.
We are tracking some light rain moving in late tonight, which could potentially mix with or turn into light snow as temperatures drop toward a low of 36°F in the early morning hours of Thursday. It’s not going to be a blizzard by any means—maybe just enough to make the windshields a bit slushy for the Thursday morning commute.
Why Today’s Forecast is a Bit "Kinda Weird"
Usually, mid-January in New Castle County is a frozen affair. Historically, the Delaware Climate Office notes that January 2026 has been sticking close to its roots with some cold snaps, but today's high of 54°F is a notable outlier. It's basically a brief atmospheric "breather" before another cold front pushes through tomorrow.
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One thing local experts like to point out is the "coastal effect" we get here. Being tucked between the Delaware River and the Piedmont region can cause these micro-shifts where the city stays just a few degrees warmer than the suburbs like Hockessin or Pike Creek.
Driving and Travel Notes
There aren't any major weather alerts specifically for Wilmington city limits today—the Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings are currently sticking to the Delaware Bay and coastal waters. However, DelDOT has been busy with construction on I-495 and the ongoing ramp closures near DE-896. With the light rain expected tonight, those wet roads could become slick, especially on the metal bridges and overpasses.
If you’re heading toward the Wilmington DMV, remember it's been having some scheduling shifts lately, so check the status before you brave the damp air.
Practical Advice for Today
Since we are dealing with a temperature swing from 42 to 54 and back down to 36, layering is your best friend. A heavy parka might feel like overkill by 2:00 PM, but you’ll want it by 11:00 PM when that light rain-snow mix starts to drift in.
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- Wear: A waterproof outer layer. Even if it doesn't pour, the mist and high humidity will make everything feel damp.
- Watch: The temperature drop after 8:00 PM. It’s going to fall fast.
- Prepare: For a much colder Thursday. Tomorrow’s high will barely touch 36°F, which is a 20-degree drop from today's peak.
Basically, today is the day to run your errands before the real winter bite returns tomorrow. The visibility is good right now—about 10 miles—but that will likely decrease as the ceiling lowers and the mist moves in tonight.
Keep an umbrella in the car and make sure your tires are good for wet pavement. It’s a standard Wilmington winter day: gray, unpredictable, and just a little bit confusing.
Next Steps for Wilmington Residents:
Check your outdoor pipes this evening. While today is mild, the forecasted drop to 20°F by Thursday night means you’ll want to ensure everything is insulated before the deep freeze sets in tomorrow. If you’re commuting early Thursday, leave five minutes early to account for potential frost or light slush on the I-95 corridor.