Look, if you’ve lived in Chicago for more than five minutes, you know the "Windy City" nickname isn't actually about the weather—it was originally a dig at our 19th-century politicians talking too much. But honestly? This week, the weather is doing a pretty good job of making that name literal.
I was looking at the lakefront earlier today and the ice is already stacking up. It's that classic January stretch where your face hurts just walking to the car. If you’re checking the 7 day forecast for chicago il, you aren't just looking for numbers; you’re trying to figure out if you need the "big" coat or the "really big" coat.
Let's be real: January 2026 has been a wild ride already. Remember that weird flash flooding we had back on the 8th? We broke a rainfall record with nearly two inches in one day. Then a few days ago, that snow squall basically turned the morning commute into a scene from The Day After Tomorrow. Now, we’re settling into a deep freeze that’s going to test everyone's patience.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and Shivers
Right now, Sunday is sitting at a crisp 19°F, but it feels like 7°F thanks to that southwest wind. We’ve got a bit of light snow today, but the real story is what happens tonight. The temperature is going to tank.
We’re looking at a low of 8°F tonight with snow showers becoming more likely after dark. If you’re heading out, just know that southwest wind is moving at 11 mph, which sounds mild until it hits you in the eyes on Michigan Avenue.
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Monday and Tuesday: The Arctic Punch
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If you have the day off and were planning on being outside, bundle up. Seriously. The high is only 9°F. It’ll be partly sunny, but don’t let the blue sky fool you. It’s going to be "dry" cold, the kind that makes your nostrils stick together. The overnight low hits 5°F.
Tuesday gives us a tiny bit of relief, jumping up to a high of 25°F. It’ll be sunny during the day, which is nice for morale, even if it doesn’t actually feel "warm."
Mid-Week Messiness
By Wednesday, January 21, things get a little messy again. We’re climbing to 28°F, which is the high for the week. But that "warmth" comes with more light snow. There’s about a 35% chance of precipitation during the day. It’s that wet, heavy snow that’s a total pain to shovel.
Thursday and Friday are basically a return to the freezer.
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- Thursday: High of 18°F, mostly cloudy.
- Friday: High of 12°F, dropping to a brutal 1°F overnight.
Honestly, Friday night is the one that worries me. When it gets down to 1°F, pipes start to get cranky and your car might decide it doesn't want to start. If you’ve got a garage, use it.
Why This Forecast Is Actually Normal
A lot of people think Chicago winters are getting "weirder," and while we are seeing more extreme swings—like that 60-degree day we had earlier this month—this 7-day stretch is actually pretty standard for a La Niña year.
According to the National Weather Service, we're currently in a transition phase. We’ve been seeing more "wet" winters lately. Since the early 90s, we tend to get more seasonal snow during these patterns. So, while we aren't seeing a massive blizzard in this specific 7 day forecast for chicago il, the constant "dusting" of snow showers is par for the course.
Tips for Surviving the Single Digits
- The Layering Rule: It's not about one thick sweater. It's about a base layer that wicks moisture, a middle layer for insulation, and a shell to block that 21 mph wind we’re expecting on Monday.
- Tire Pressure: When the temp drops from 21°F to 5°F in 24 hours, your "low tire pressure" light is going to scream at you. Check them now.
- Humidity Matters: It’s hovering around 62-74% this week. That’s why the cold feels so "heavy" and damp compared to the dry cold out west.
Looking Toward Next Weekend
Saturday, January 24, looks like a carbon copy of Friday. Another high of 13°F and a low of 1°F. If you’re planning on hitting the museums or doing a Costco run, Saturday morning is probably your best bet before the snow showers kick back in.
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Basically, this week is a reminder that winter in Chicago is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve survived the snow squalls of mid-January and the record-breaking rain. This upcoming week of single-digit lows is just the city’s way of making sure we’re still tough.
Take advantage of the "warm" 28-degree day on Wednesday to clear your sidewalk. Once Friday hits and we drop toward zero, that slush is going to turn into concrete-hard ice. You’ll thank me later when you aren't trying to chip away at your driveway with a literal pickaxe.
Stay warm, keep the salt handy, and maybe order in this Monday. There's no reason to be out in 9-degree weather if you don't have to be.