West Texas weather is a fickle beast. If you've lived in Midland for more than a week, you know the drill: you wake up needing a heavy parka and end up eating lunch in short sleeves. It's wild. Right now, looking at the weather in Midland Texas 10 days out, we are seeing that classic "yo-yo" effect that defines January in the Permian Basin.
Today, January 15, 2026, we're sitting pretty with a high of 67°F. It’s gorgeous out. But don't get too comfortable. A cold front is already eyeing the horizon, and it’s going to remind us exactly why West Texas winters are so notoriously bipolar.
The 10-Day Rollercoaster: Highs, Lows, and Everything Between
The immediate forecast shows a sharp drop. By tomorrow, Friday, the high plunges to 53°F. That’s a 14-degree swing in 24 hours. Honestly, that’s actually a "mild" shift for this part of the country. I’ve seen 40-degree drops when the blue northers really scream across the flatlands.
Saturday will be the coldest of this first stretch. We’re looking at a high of only 45°F with a biting east wind at 13 mph. It’s going to feel significantly colder than the thermometer says because of that wind chill. If you’re heading out to the Downtown Lions Club or hitting the trails at I-20 Wildlife Preserve, you’ll want those layers.
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The middle of the 10-day window brings a brief recovery. Sunday pops back up to 60°F, only for Monday and Tuesday to dip back down into the high 40s and low 50s.
Nighttime Freezes and Survival
One thing the apps don't always emphasize is the diurnal temperature range. Because we have such low humidity (usually around 30% to 40% this week), the heat escapes into space the second the sun goes down.
Almost every night for the next 10 days will see lows near or below freezing. We’re looking at 28°F to 31°F consistently. If you have sensitive plants or exposed pipes that aren't insulated, this is the week they take a hit.
The "Invisible" Weather: Wind and Dust
Everyone checks the temperature, but in Midland, the wind is the real story. On Friday, we’re expecting gusts from the northeast hitting 22 mph. In a place as flat as a pancake, that wind has nothing to stop it.
It’s not just about the cold. It’s about the dust.
While we aren't seeing a major "haboob" or dust storm in the immediate 10-day window, any wind over 20 mph in the winter months can kick up enough Permian silt to irritate your sinuses. If you’re a transplant here, you might think you have a cold; usually, it’s just "Midland Sinus" from the blowing dirt.
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Precipitation? Don't Bet the Ranch
We are in a semi-arid climate. According to the National Weather Service, January is historically one of our driest months, averaging only about 0.5 inches of total liquid for the entire month.
The forecast for the next 10 days shows a measly 10% to 20% chance of moisture on Monday and Tuesday. There’s a tiny sliver of a chance for a few snow flurries or light rain, but honestly, it’s mostly just "clutter" on the radar. Don't expect to be building snowmen in the HEB parking lot.
What Most People Get Wrong About Midland Winters
A lot of folks move here for the oil industry and assume Texas means "hot all the time." That’s a mistake. Midland sits at an elevation of about 2,862 feet. That’s high enough to catch the brunt of Arctic air masses sliding down the Great Plains.
- Misconception 1: It doesn't snow. It does! We average about 2 inches a year. It just usually melts by noon.
- Misconception 2: Sunny means warm. You can have a crystal-clear blue sky and still be shivering in 30°F weather because the air is coming straight from Canada.
- Misconception 3: Humidity makes it feel colder. Here, it’s the opposite. The dry air "bites" differently.
Practical Steps for the Next 10 Days
If you're planning your week, keep your wardrobe flexible. You basically need three different outfits for every day: a morning winter coat, a midday light sweater, and an evening windbreaker.
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Watch the Wind: Friday is the day to secure your trash cans and patio furniture. Those 20+ mph gusts will send your grill cover into the neighbor's yard before you can blink.
Hydrate Everything: The humidity is going to bottom out. Your skin, your throat, and your pets will feel it. Keep the water intake high and the lotion handy.
Check the Pipes: With lows hitting 28°F on Monday and Tuesday nights, it's worth doing a quick lap around the house. Make sure the hoses are disconnected from the outdoor spigots.
West Texas weather is all about adaptation. The next 10 days won't give us anything catastrophic, but the constant shifting between 65 degrees and 45 degrees is enough to keep your thermostat—and your immune system—guessing. Dress in layers, keep an eye on those overnight lows, and enjoy the sun while it's out.