Honestly, if you live in Peabody, you've probably realized by now that the forecast is basically just an educated guess until the wind actually hits your face. Living on the North Shore means being stuck in this weird meteorological tug-of-war between the freezing air coming down from Canada and the slightly-less-freezing Atlantic Ocean just a few miles away. Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is a perfect example of that coastal chaos.
The Reality of Weather for Peabody Mass Right Now
If you stepped outside this morning, you likely felt that bite. It's sunny, sure, but the temperature is hovering right at 30°F. But the real kicker? The "feels like" temperature is down at 18°F because of a 17 mph wind whipping in from the west.
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You might see the sun and think it's a great day for a light jacket, but that’s a trap. The humidity is sitting at a crisp 25%, making the air feel even thinner and colder than the thermometer suggests.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
- Conditions: Clear and sunny for the most part.
- High: We’ll top out around 31°F.
- Wind: West at 18 mph.
- Tonight: It’s going to cloud over. We’re looking at a low of 18°F, and there’s a 10% chance we might see some stray flakes, though nothing you’ll need to shovel.
The Weekend Mess: Rain, Snow, and Everything In Between
Saturday is when things get annoying. We’re heading for a high of 41°F, which sounds great until you see the forecast for "rain and snow." Usually, this means the kind of slush that ruins your shoes and makes the commute on Route 1 a nightmare.
The chance of precipitation is 40% during the day. Since the humidity is jumping up to 75%, it’s going to be that heavy, damp cold that gets into your bones. By Saturday night, the low stays around 31°F, so keep an eye out for black ice on those side streets near Brooksby Farm.
Sunday’s Outlook
Sunday, January 18, is looking mostly cloudy with a high of 37°F. There’s a 25% chance of snow during the day, which actually bumps up to 40% at night. If you’re planning to be out, just know the low will drop to 25°F. It's classic New England—unpredictable and a little bit stubborn.
Looking Into Next Week: The Deep Freeze
If you’re hoping for a January thaw, you’re out of luck. Monday starts off okay at 32°F, but Tuesday is when the floor drops out. We’re looking at a high of only 23°F and a low of 15°F. That’s the kind of weather where your car takes five minutes just to realize it’s supposed to start.
Historically, January is Peabody's coldest month. We usually see averages around 36°F for highs and 22°F for lows. We’re actually trending a bit colder than the historical average this week, which is something to keep in mind if you're worried about your heating bill.
Why Peabody Weather is So Hard to Predict
The "North Shore Effect" is real. Because Peabody is inland but still close enough to feel the ocean's influence, we often miss out on the big snow totals that places like Worcester get, but we get hammered with more ice and freezing rain.
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Meteorologists often struggle with the "rain-snow line" which seems to love sitting right over the Northshore Mall. A two-degree difference is the difference between a winter wonderland and a giant puddle.
Actionable Weather Survival Steps
- Check the Dewpoint: If the dewpoint is in the single digits like it is today (3°F), your skin is going to dry out fast. Break out the heavy-duty moisturizer now.
- Wind Shielding: With 18 mph winds, don't just dress for the temperature; dress for the wind. A windbreaker over a fleece is way more effective than a heavy wool coat that lets the breeze through.
- The Saturday Slush: Since we’re expecting rain and snow Saturday with a 41°F high, make sure your gutters are clear today. If they're blocked, that slush will freeze solid when it hits 31°F Saturday night, leading to ice dams.
It’s just another week of weather for Peabody mass—unpredictable, occasionally freezing, and always keeping us on our toes. Keep your layers handy and maybe a shovel in the trunk just in case that 40% chance of snow on Sunday decides to overachieve.