Florida isn't always a sun-drenched postcard. Honestly, if you’re looking at the clearwater fl weather hourly updates today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’re seeing a version of the Gulf Coast that surprises many tourists. It’s chilly. It’s windy.
Right now, the mercury is sitting at a crisp 56°F, but with the wind biting at 16 mph from the north, it actually feels like 52°F. That’s a far cry from the tropical heat people expect when they pack their flip-flops.
Why the Hour-by-Hour Shift Matters Today
If you’re planning to hit the Beach Walk or grab lunch at Pier 60, you need to watch the clock. We’ve already hit our high for the day earlier this afternoon at 66°F. From here on out, the temperature is on a steady slide downward.
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By the time the sun sets—which, by the way, is happening at 5:57 PM—those "mildly cool" temperatures are going to feel a lot more like "winter." We are looking at a low of 40°F tonight.
Basically, the clearwater fl weather hourly data shows a dramatic shift from a light-rain-soaked morning to a clear, but freezing, night.
The Real Data: Sunday, January 18, 2026
The conditions aren't just "cool"—they're officially breezy and damp. Here is the breakdown of what is happening right now across the city:
- Current Temperature: 56°F
- Feels Like: 52°F
- Wind Speed: 16 mph (North)
- Humidity: 72%
- Condition: Mostly cloudy
Earlier today, the chance of rain was pegged at a high 75%, bringing light rain that likely ruined a few morning tee times. As we move into the evening, that precipitation chance drops significantly to 10%, but don't let the clearing skies fool you. The wind is picking up. We’ve seen gusts reaching 26 mph from the northwest, which is why there's a Rip Current Statement currently in effect until tomorrow morning.
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The Misconception of "Sunshine State" Winters
People often think January in Clearwater is just slightly less hot summer. That’s a mistake. While the average high for January is usually around 67°F, today is hitting those marks but then plummeting.
The humidity is a factor too. At 83% for the daily average, that moisture in the air makes the cold feel heavier. It’s a "wet cold" that sinks into your bones, something locals know all too well but visitors often ignore until they’re shivering in a t-shirt.
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What the Locals Are Doing
When the clearwater fl weather hourly forecast looks like this, the beach clears out. You won't see many people in the water, especially with the sea temperature hovering around 64°F (18°C).
Instead, today is a day for the indoors. The humidity and north winds make the RealFeel much lower than the actual thermometer reading. If you're out, you'll need more than a light windbreaker; a heavy sweater or a medium jacket is the move for the evening hours as we approach that 40°F low.
Planning Your Next 24 Hours
The sky is expected to transition from light rain and clouds to "clear" tonight. This sounds great for stargazing, but the temperature drop is the real story.
- Check your plants: If you're a local, that 40°F low is close enough to frost territory in some inland pockets of Clearwater to warrant a bit of caution.
- Boaters beware: With winds from the northwest at 26 mph, the Gulf is going to be choppy. The Rip Current Statement is no joke; stay out of the water.
- Morning commute: Tomorrow morning will start very cold. Expect to see temperatures in the low 40s as you head out for the Monday morning rush.
The most important takeaway for anyone tracking the clearwater fl weather hourly is that the "mostly cloudy" daytime will give way to a very cold, clear night. Dress in layers, stay dry, and maybe save the beach volleyball for later in the week when the "milder" trend predicted by the Farmers' Almanac starts to kick in.