If you’re standing near the Columbia River today, you probably noticed the fog. It’s thick. It’s heavy. It’s that classic Tri-Cities "soup" that makes driving down Columbia Center Boulevard feel like a scene from a noir film. Honestly, the weather forecast Kennewick WA residents are looking at this week is a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s mostly sticking to the script of a high-desert winter.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we are seeing highs hovering around 44°F to 47°F. That’s actually a little warmer than the historical average for this time of year, which usually sits closer to 40°F. But don't get too comfortable. Tonight, the mercury is expected to dip back down to about 31°F. It’s that precise "on the edge" temperature where you start worrying about black ice on the Blue Bridge.
Why the Columbia River Changes Everything
You can't talk about Kennewick weather without mentioning the river. It’s a massive thermal heat sink. While the rest of Eastern Washington might be shivering in a bone-dry arctic blast, Kennewick often stays a couple of degrees warmer because of the water’s influence.
But there’s a trade-off.
The river provides the moisture that creates our infamous "Tule fog." When the cold air settles into the basin and hits that relatively warmer water, visibility vanishes. If the weather forecast Kennewick WA mentions "patchy fog," you should basically assume your morning commute will take twice as long.
The Breakdown: This Week's Outlook
Looking at the data from the National Weather Service and local observation stations like the one at Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC), here is what the next few days look like:
Wednesday and Thursday are sticking to a "mostly cloudy" theme. Highs will stay in the mid-40s. It’s gray. It’s damp. It’s the kind of weather where you wear a light jacket but keep a heavy coat in the trunk just in case.
By Friday, January 16, things start to feel a bit more like a "real" winter. We are looking at a high of 44°F and a low of 29°F. Overnight lows are going to stay below freezing for the foreseeable future. If you haven't blown out your sprinklers—though hopefully, you did that back in October—you’re definitely playing with fire now.
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Record Breaking or Just Cold?
Most people forget how extreme this place can actually get. Did you know the record low for the Tri-Cities is -29°F? That happened back in 1985. We aren’t anywhere near that right now, thank goodness.
On the flip side, we’ve seen January days hit 60°F. It’s rare, but it happens when a Chinook wind blows in from the Cascades. For 2026, the long-range outlook from the Farmers’ Almanac suggests we’ll stay about 3 degrees above average for the month.
Precipitation is another story. We live in a semi-arid desert. We only get about 7 to 9 inches of total liquid precipitation a year. To put that in perspective, Seattle gets that much in a bad month. Right now, we’re looking at a slightly drier-than-normal January, with only about an inch of rain/snow expected across the whole month.
The Wind Factor
In Kennewick, the wind is a character in its own right. Most days, it’s a gentle 5 to 8 mph breeze. But when a pressure system moves through the Columbia Gorge, things get wild.
We often see gusts that can hit 40 or 50 mph without much warning. The current weather forecast Kennewick WA shows light and variable winds for the next 48 hours, which is a relief for anyone who has to park a high-profile vehicle near the bypass.
What’s Actually Happening in the Sky?
If you look at the cloud cover stats, January is statistically our cloudiest month. We spend about 64% of the time under overcast or mostly cloudy skies. It’s the "Big Gray."
The sun is technically up for about 9 hours a day right now, but you might not see it until Saturday. The forecast suggests a break in the clouds by the weekend, which usually means the temperature will actually drop further because we lose the "blanket" effect of the clouds.
Actionable Advice for Kennewick Residents
- Watch the Dew Point: When the temperature and dew point meet (right now they are sitting around 32°F and 30°F), fog is inevitable. If you see those numbers getting close in the evening, expect a slow drive the next morning.
- Tire Pressure Check: Every 10-degree drop in temperature can lower your tire pressure by 1-2 PSI. With these 45-to-30-degree swings, your "low tire" light is probably going to turn on this week.
- Layer Up: The high-desert climate means you’ll be stripping off layers at 2 PM and shivering by 5 PM.
- Humidify: Our air is naturally dry, and indoor heating makes it worse. If you’re waking up with a scratchy throat, it’s probably the 20% indoor humidity, not a cold.
Looking Ahead to February
Statistically, February is when we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Highs move into the high 40s and low 50s. The "clearest" day of winter is usually February 17.
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For now, stay prepared for the patchy fog and the freezing overnight temps. Keep an eye on the localized stations rather than just the generic "Washington" forecast, as the basin creates its own little microclimate that often defies the regional trends.
If you are planning outdoor activities this weekend, Saturday looks like your best bet for a sliver of sunshine, even if it stays chilly. Make sure your car’s washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures—that highway spray on I-82 will freeze instantly on your windshield if you're using summer-grade fluid.
Check your local sensor data frequently, especially if you live up on the South Hills or out toward Badger Mountain, as the elevation can mean a 5-degree difference from the riverfront.