Honestly, if you're planning a walk down the Long Walk or heading toward the Castle this week, you’re going to want more than just a light jacket. Windsor is currently sitting in that classic British winter pocket where the air feels a lot dampener than the thermometer suggests.
Right now, it’s about 38°F outside. That’s roughly 3°C for those of us who made the switch to metric. It’s clear tonight, which sounds lovely, but with humidity at a staggering 94%, that cold just clings to your bones.
The wind is currently a gentle 4 mph coming from the southwest, but don't let the "clear" status fool you. The forecast for the next few days looks like a revolving door of light rain and grey skies.
What to Expect for Your Weekend Plans
If you were hoping for a crisp, sunny Saturday, I’ve got some "meh" news. Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, is looking pretty soggy. We’re looking at a high of 48°F and a low of 40°F. There’s a 65% chance of rain during the day, so the pavement around Eton and the High Street is going to be slick.
Saturday isn't much better, though the rain tapers off slightly. You’ve still got about a 20% chance of showers with a high of 48°F. Basically, it’s "cloudy with a chance of ruining your suede boots."
The 10-Day Outlook at a Glance
Let’s look further ahead. The weather forecast in Windsor is staying remarkably consistent—and by consistent, I mean consistently grey.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Light rain again. High of 47°F.
- Monday, Jan 19: A bit warmer at 49°F, but still dealing with a 45% chance of rain.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Copy-paste Monday. High of 49°F and mostly cloudy at night.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Finally, the rain takes a break! Mostly cloudy but dry during the day.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Stays dry-ish during the day, though light rain might sneak in at night.
The Big Shift: Snow on the Horizon?
Here is where things get interesting. If you’ve been waiting for a "Real Winter," circle Saturday, January 24 on your calendar. The models are showing a mix of rain and snow during the day.
The temperature is expected to drop to 42°F, and while that’s usually too warm for a full-on blizzard, the 45% chance of snow means we might actually see some white stuff mixed in with the slush. It won't be enough to build a snowman, but it'll definitely be enough to make the M4 a bit of a nightmare.
Why Windsor Feels Colder Than It Is
Most people look at a forecast of 48°F and think it’s not too bad. But Windsor’s proximity to the Thames changes the math. High humidity—which is hovering between 88% and 94% all week—means the air is saturated.
When it’s humid and cold, your body loses heat much faster. It’s that "wet cold" that everyone complains about. Plus, the wind is largely coming from the south or southeast this week, dragging in that moist Atlantic air.
Survival Tips for the Next Week
If you're out and about, especially with the yellow rain warnings that have been popping up across southern England lately, keep these in mind:
- Waterproof everything: This isn't the week for "water-resistant." You need proper Gore-Tex or a heavy-duty mac.
- Watch the UV: It’s basically 0 all week. You won't need the SPF, but you might need a Vitamin D supplement to make up for the lack of sun.
- Night Driving: With lows hitting 35°F by next Friday, watch out for patches of ice on the back roads toward Old Windsor or Ascot.
The "clear" skies we're seeing tonight are a bit of a fluke. By tomorrow morning, the light rain returns, and the humidity won't be letting up anytime soon. Keep an eye on those Saturday the 24th predictions—if the temperature drops even two degrees more than expected, that rain/snow mix could turn into a very messy morning for Berkshire.
Next Steps:
If you're heading out, check the live wind speeds before you go; gusts are expected to pick up toward 13 mph by Sunday, which will make that 46°F feel a lot more like freezing.
