You’ve seen the charts. You’ve checked the apps. But honestly, if you’re looking at the Newport News weather forecast right now, you’re probably seeing a weird mix of "is it raining?" and "wait, is that snow?"
Welcome to January in the 757. It’s a mess.
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Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re dealing with a setup that would make any meteorologist reach for an extra cup of coffee. Basically, the current temperature is sitting at 42°F, but it feels like 37°F thanks to a steady 8 mph wind coming out of the north. Humidity is a heavy 94%. If you step outside, it feels damp, bone-chilling, and just generally grey.
Why the Sunday Forecast is Tricky
Most people think Newport News just gets "cold rain" in January. Usually, they're right. But today is a bit of a curveball.
We have a 100% chance of rain during the day. The high is struggling to hit 44°F. But the real story is what happens when the sun goes down. The low is expected to crater to 28°F. That’s a 16-degree drop.
As that cold air rushes in, that 100% rain chance transitions. The National Weather Service in Wakefield is already eyeing a rain-to-snow transition. While the night-time precipitation chance drops to 20%, any moisture left over is going to turn white. We’re looking at maybe a half-inch of snow accumulation if the timing hits just right.
It’s that classic Virginia "will it, won’t it" scenario.
The Real Numbers for January 18
- Daytime High: 44°F with 100% rain.
- Nighttime Low: 28°F with a 20% chance of snow.
- Wind: 11 mph from the North.
- UV Index: 1 (basically non-existent).
What Most People Get Wrong About Our Winter
The biggest misconception? That the water keeps us warm. Kinda. The James River and the Chesapeake Bay do act as a thermal buffer, sure. But in January, that "buffer" often just means we stay in the 38-degree rain zone while Richmond gets the pretty snow. It’s the "wet-cold" that gets you.
I talked to some folks who have lived here for decades. They’ll tell you the same thing: 40 degrees in Newport News feels colder than 20 degrees in dry Colorado. It’s the humidity. It sticks to your bones.
And let's talk about the wind. North winds at 11 mph might not sound like much, but when they’re coming off the water, they cut right through a light jacket.
Historical Context: Is This Normal?
Actually, yeah. The average high for late January in Newport News is right around 48°F. We’re running a few degrees below that today. Historical data from sites like WeatherSpark show that we usually see about 2.6 inches of snow in January, mostly occurring in one or two "surprises."
Today’s forecast fits the pattern perfectly. Cold, damp, and a late-night threat of flurries.
Survival Tips for the 757 Chill
If you're out near City Center or heading down Warwick Boulevard, don't trust the thermometer. Trust the "feels like" temp.
- Layering is non-negotiable. Wear a base layer that wicks moisture. The 94% humidity means if you sweat even a little, you’ll stay damp and get cold fast.
- Watch the roads after 10 PM. With the temperature dropping to 28°F, all that daytime rain is going to turn into "black ice." This is especially true on the overpasses and bridges like the James River Bridge.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low tire" light isn't on yet, it probably will be by Monday morning when it's in the 20s.
The Week Ahead: Arctic Chill?
Looking past tonight, the rain clears out, but the cold stays. Tomorrow, Martin Luther King Day, looks sunny but crisp with a high of 44°F. The real story is Tuesday. We’re looking at a high of only 35°F and a low of 21°F.
That’s legit cold for coastal Virginia.
If you’re a local, this is the time to make sure your pipes are protected. Companies like Art Newsome Inc. and Kearney & Sons usually see a spike in calls during these 20-degree nights because heat pumps start to struggle when the "emergency heat" kicks in.
Actionable Next Steps
- Drip your faucets tonight. When the temp hits 28°F after a day of soaking rain, the ground is cold and the air is colder.
- Bring the pets in. If it’s too cold for you, it’s definitely too cold for them.
- Salt your walkways. Do it now before the rain turns to ice overnight. It’s much easier to prevent the ice than to chip it away on Monday morning.
- Plan for a slow commute on Monday. Even if we don't get the "snow" part of the rain-snow mix, the freeze-up is almost guaranteed.
Keep an eye on the sky. Newport News weather is famously fickle, but for the next 24 hours, "cold and wet" is the undisputed king.