Winter in the city isn't just about the temperature on the screen. It's the way the air feels when it hits the corner of Wacker and Michigan. Right now, Chicago is sitting at a crisp 24°F, but if you're actually out there, you're dealing with a "feels like" of 12°F.
The wind is currently pulling from the south at 16 mph. It's cloudy. It's dark. Honestly, it's exactly what you'd expect for mid-January in the 606.
But here is the thing: the hourly transition over the next few hours is where things get tricky. We’ve got a 29% chance of snow tonight. While the high yesterday only hit 26°F, we are actually looking at a weirdly "warm" spike coming up.
Why Chicago Current Weather Hourly is a Moving Target
If you're tracking the hourly shift, don't get too comfortable with the current freezing temps. By Friday, January 16, 2026, the city is expected to hit a high of 35°F. That’s a nearly 10-degree jump.
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But there’s a catch.
Cloudy skies will dominate the day, and that precipitation chance climbs to 42% during the daylight hours. It's not the kind of snow you build a snowman with. It's more of that slushy, gray Chicago "mix" that ruins your boots.
The wind is also shifting. It’ll move to a southwest flow, kicking up to 17 mph.
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The Deep Freeze is Hovering
If you're planning your weekend, keep an eye on Saturday. The temperature is going to crash back down to a high of 19°F and a low of 12°F.
People always talk about the "Windy City" like it's a myth, but when those west winds hit 18 mph on a 19-degree day, it’s a reality check.
Real-World Stats: January 15 - January 21
Looking at the data from the National Weather Service and recent observations at Midway, the humidity is currently hovering around 63%. That’s why the air feels heavy.
Here is how the next few days actually look:
- Friday, Jan 16: High of 35°F, low of 17°F. Mostly cloudy with a high chance of snow.
- Saturday, Jan 17: High of 19°F, low of 12°F. Light snow is likely.
- Sunday, Jan 18: High of 19°F, low of 4°F. The real cold starts to bite here.
- Monday, Jan 19: High of 8°F, low of 3°F. This is the danger zone.
Monday is going to be brutal. We’re talking about 21 mph winds from the west. When the high is only 8 degrees and the wind is that strong, the wind chill will easily dip into the negatives. If you're commuting to the Loop, you'll want every layer you own.
The Snow Squall Factor
We just saw a massive snow squall hit the region on January 14. These aren't your typical snowstorms. They are the winter version of a summer thunderstorm—fast, intense, and blinding.
One measured gust at Lake Station recently hit 58 mph. These squalls can drop visibility to near zero in seconds. If you see the "Chicago current weather hourly" forecast mentioning "snow showers" during a high-wind window, stay off the Kennedy or the Dan Ryan if you can.
Navigating the Lake Effect
Most people think the lake just makes things colder. It’s more complex than that. The lake is a giant thermal mass. In early January, it can actually keep the immediate shoreline a few degrees warmer than the inland suburbs.
But it also fuels the snow.
When cold air moves over the relatively warmer water of Lake Michigan, it picks up moisture and dumps it as "lake effect" snow. This is why you can have clear skies in Naperville while O'Hare is getting hammered.
Actionable Next Steps for Chicagoans
- Check the Dew Point: It’s currently 10°F. When the dew point is that low, the air is incredibly dry. Get the humidifier running tonight to avoid that "winter skin" and static shocks.
- Watch the Monday Plunge: With a high of only 8°F on Monday, January 19, check your tire pressure now. Radical temp drops cause PSI to plummet.
- Layering for the Southwest Wind: Tomorrow’s wind is coming from the southwest at 17 mph. This usually feels less "sharp" than a north wind, but with 35-degree temps, it creates a damp cold that goes right through wool. Use a windbreaker or a shell over your sweater.
- Visibility Alerts: Keep your Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on. The NWS Chicago office uses these for snow squall warnings, which are vital if you're driving.
Stay warm out there. Chicago weather doesn't care about your plans, so keep the extra pair of socks in the car.