Honestly, if you're stepping outside in Harrington right now, the number on your phone screen is lying to you.
It's currently 39°F in Harrington. Sounds manageable, right? But the reality is a bit sharper. With a southwest wind cutting through at 11 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting at a biting 32°F. That's the difference between a light jacket and needing to find your heavy wool coat.
The sky is mostly cloudy, which is pretty standard for a mid-January night in Kent County.
What's Actually Happening with Harrington's Weather
The air is surprisingly dry, with humidity around 41%. This dryness is part of a larger pattern we’ve been seeing lately. If you've noticed the ground looking a bit parched or the local stream levels looking low, you aren't imagining it.
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The Delaware Climate Office has been tracking a significant precipitation deficit. We’re coming off a streak of five months with below-normal rainfall. In fact, soil moisture in Kent County has recently dipped toward record lows.
While a 39°F night feels like typical winter, the lack of moisture is the real story under the surface.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Shift
If you have plans at the Harrington Raceway or just need to run errands along Route 13 tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, keep an eye on the sky.
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The temperature is expected to climb slightly to a high of 43°F, but it’s bringing some mess with it. We’re looking at a 35% chance of light rain during the day. By Saturday night, that could transition into a mix of rain and snow as the thermometer drops back down to 33°F.
Don't expect a winter wonderland just yet. This setup is more likely to result in slushy windshields than a sledding day.
Why January in Harrington Is Unique
January is statistically the coldest month for this part of Delaware. Most years, we average a high of 44°F and a low of 28°F. Today’s current conditions are hovering right in that sweet spot.
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What makes Harrington's climate interesting is its position on the Delmarva Peninsula. We get that "Atlantic Corridor" influence where the ocean tries to keep us mild, but the arctic air pushing down from the north often wins out.
The upcoming week looks like a rollercoaster:
- Sunday: A bit colder with a high of 34°F and a better chance for actual snow.
- Monday: Sunny but crisp, topping out at 38°F.
- Tuesday: A real deep freeze. We're looking at a high of only 24°F.
Basically, if you haven't dripped your pipes or checked your antifreeze, Tuesday is the day that will catch you off guard.
Practical Steps for Harrington Residents
Since the air is staying dry and the temperatures are fluctuating around the freezing mark, there are a few things you should probably do before the weekend is over.
First, check your tire pressure. Rapid drops in temperature—like the one coming Tuesday—will trigger those annoying dashboard sensors. Second, since we are in a bit of a localized drought, keep an eye on any young evergreens or shrubs you planted last fall; they might actually need a drink of water if the ground isn't frozen solid yet.
Lastly, keep the ice scraper in the front seat. That Saturday night rain-to-snow transition is the perfect recipe for a frozen door handle by Sunday morning.