Support Us Button Widget

Remembering Seattle’s coldest day on record

The city saw temperatures drop to zero in January of 1950.

A photo from 1950 that shows a snowy Seattle street with busses stuck and several people wandering through the slush

Seattle’s snowiest and coldest month on record occurred in January 1950.

Photo via MOHAI

Bundle up, folks. The latest forecasts predict that temperatures in Seattle may drop into the teens over the next couple of days.

While you get a refresher on safety precautions during the freezing conditions, we were wondering just how chilly it would have to get to break local records.

Turns out January 31, 1950 was the city’s coldest day on record with temperatures dropping to 0° at the end of a month that saw 50+ inches of snowfall (also a local record). The last time temps dropped into the single digits in Seattle was 1989 when we got down to 7°.

The past ten years have been balmy by comparison — we’ve only reached the teens three times over that time period: in 2013, 2021, and 2022.

But considering our average lows in January are ~36°, the latest outlook means it’s time to ditch the hoodie and break out the puffer.

More from SEAtoday
Performances and shows take to the sea, earth, and sky for Seafair Weekend Festival.
These themed bars and clubs in Seattle take “dress to impress” to a whole new level.
Resurfaced by Murray Stenson from an old cocktail book, the Last Word put Seattle on the map and helped to reinvigorate the world’s interest in cocktails.
Teachers are the unsung heroes of our community. Show your support by sharing a local teacher’s supplies wishlist ahead of the 2024-2025 school year.
Crochet and coffee shop concept Stitch Cafe is opening this summer in Capitol Hill.
These shops, matcha lattes, boba drinks, and ceremonial performances highlight Seattle’s thriving community of tea lovers.
Check out local artists’ new works, network with other creatives, and celebrate art works with the annual Seattle Art Fair.
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Seattle nod there — these craft beers found around the Emerald City take local pride seriously.
FareStart is a social-enterprise nonprofit focused on job training and employment to disrupt poverty — all while serving up delicious dishes, of course.
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Seattle.