Honestly, if you're looking at the map today, it feels like two different planets decided to share the same zip code. Thursday, January 15, 2026, is basically a tug-of-war between a stubborn Arctic chill in the East and a massive "heat" ridge out West that's making January feel more like late April.
It’s weird.
In the Northeast and Great Lakes, we’re tracking a potent surface low that’s refusing to leave without a fight. If you’re in upstate New York—specifically Hamilton or Northern Herkimer counties—you’re likely staring at a Winter Weather Advisory right now. The National Weather Service in Albany is calling for an extra 2 to 4 inches of wet snow today. But here's the kicker: it’s not just the snow you have to worry about. It's the "flash freeze" effect. Temperatures are expected to dive into the 20s as the day goes on, turning all that slushy mess into a literal skating rink by the time you're heading home.
The Deep Freeze and the "Fire" Risk
You’d think "freezing cold" means "no fire risk," right? Nope. Total misconception.
🔗 Read more: Snow Storm in Virginia: Why We Still Can’t Predict the Big One
Down in the Carolinas and Georgia, we’re seeing something kinda scary called "increased fire danger" despite the shivering temperatures. Because the air is so dry—Arctic air is notoriously moisture-starved—the relative humidity is tanking to 20-25%. Toss in some northwest winds gusting up to 30 mph, and you've got a recipe for fast-moving brush fires. The NWS out of Wilmington and Columbia is pretty much begging people to hold off on any outdoor burning today.
Further south, central Florida is under Freeze Warnings. If you've got sensitive plants or a backyard garden, get the blankets out now. We’re talking about potential crop damage as sub-freezing lows creep into the Sunshine State tonight.
👉 See also: Weather Forecast DC Tomorrow: What Most People Get Wrong
Meanwhile, out West...
While the East is busy layering up, California and the Desert Southwest are basically living in a different reality. Highs are hitting the 70s and 80s in places like Phoenix and parts of Southern California. It’s all thanks to a strong upper-level ridge that's acting like a giant umbrella, blocking the cold air and letting the sun do its thing.
- Pacific Northwest: Mild, with highs in the 50s.
- California: Widespread 60s and 70s, feeling very un-January.
- Rockies: Breezy but significantly warmer than the Midwest.
Wait, there’s a catch. In the Willamette Valley and parts of Oregon, it’s not all sunshine. They’re dealing with "Air Stagnation Advisories" and dense fog. When the air doesn't move, pollutants get trapped near the ground, making for some pretty crummy air quality. If you have asthma or just hate breathing in soup, maybe stay indoors until the wind picks up.
Thursday by the Numbers
Let's look at the raw data for the broader United States today. The "forecast_location" for the national average is sitting at a current temperature of 37°F, but that "feels like" is a biting 32°F thanks to the southwest wind.
- High Temperature: 38°F (National Average)
- Low Temperature: 3°F (Brutal, right?)
- Wind Speed: 10 mph from the west
- Precipitation: 0% chance of snow/rain for the general national average, though regional lake-effect snow is a different story.
If you’re in Barnstable County or out toward Yarmouth, MA, don't get fooled by the morning clouds. It'll get partly sunny with highs in the upper 40s, but that’s a trap. Temperatures will start falling to 40°F by the afternoon, and the wind gusts are going to hit 30-35 mph.
💡 You might also like: Hopewell Township NJ Police: What Residents Actually Need to Know
Why the Forecast Matters Today
We are currently seeing a classic La Niña transition. Experts at the Climate Prediction Center were talking about this weeks ago—how the northern tier would see these "clipper" systems dropping down from Canada while the southern tier stays dry and occasionally frosty.
The real danger today isn't just the snow; it's the wind. From the High Plains down to the coast, those gusts (40-65 mph in the central Plains!) are strong enough to knock out power or make high-profile vehicles feel like they’re being pushed by a giant hand.
Your Actionable Move-Forward Plan
- Check your tire pressure. Cold snaps like this cause the air in your tires to contract, usually triggering that annoying dashboard light.
- Hydrate your skin. With humidity levels hitting 20% in the Southeast, your skin is going to feel like parchment paper.
- Secure the patio. If you’re in a high-wind zone (Plains or Northeast coast), move the lightweight furniture inside before it ends up in your neighbor's pool.
- Watch the "Flash Freeze." If you see wet roads and the temp hits 32°F, assume it’s black ice. No exceptions.
Tomorrow looks like a brief rebound for some, but a "reinforcing shot" of Polar air is already lining up for Friday night. Keep the heavy coat at the front of the closet.