Look, if you’re living in Chicago, you already know the drill. You check the window, see some gray, and think, "Typical January." But honestly, the Chicago forecast for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is a bit of a trickster. It's not just another cold day. It’s the preamble to something much nastier.
Right now, we’re sitting at a crisp 18°F. That doesn’t sound too terrifying for a Chicagoan, but the west wind is moving at 12 mph, which basically drags the "feels like" temperature down to 5°F.
Bundle up. Seriously.
The Flurry Factor and Slippery Streets
We’ve got a 10% chance of snow right now, but that’s going to ramp up as the day progresses. The National Weather Service out of Romeoville is tracking a mid-level trough that’s basically squeezing moisture out of the air like a sponge. What does that mean for your afternoon commute or your grocery run?
Well, a band of light snow is expected to trek across northern Illinois through mid-evening. We’re looking at maybe a dusting to a half-inch of the fluffy stuff.
It won't be a blizzard today. Not yet.
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But it’s enough to make the Dan Ryan and the Kennedy a total mess. Those untreated side streets will get slick fast because the ground is already frozen solid. If you’re heading out to the Bears game or just grabbing a Harold’s Chicken, keep your eyes peeled for those "invisible" patches of ice.
Today's Numbers at a Glance
- High Temperature: 19°F
- Low Temperature: 14°F
- Humidity: 57%
- Wind: 16 mph from the West
- Precipitation: 10% during the day, jumping to 20% tonight
It’s gonna stay cloudy. You won't see much of the sun today, with the UV index hovering at a measly 1. Basically, the sky is going to look like a dirty fleece blanket until sunset.
Why Sunday is the Real Boss Battle
If you think today is chilly, just wait. The Chicago forecast for today is essentially the "calm" before a massive Arctic cold front slams into the city on Sunday evening.
Forecasters are watching a second clipper system that’s arriving Sunday afternoon. That one is expected to drop another 1 to 2 inches of snow. But the real story is the wind. We’re talking WNW gusts up to 40–45 mph.
When that front hits, temperatures are going to crater.
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By Monday morning, we aren't talking about "brisk." We’re talking about wind chills ranging from -15°F to -25°F. That’s the kind of cold that turns your nose hairs into icicles the second you step outside. The city has already opened warming centers at places like the Garfield Center on South Kedzie and various public libraries, just in case.
Staying Safe in the Deep Freeze
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is already sounding the alarm. Honestly, it’s a good time to check your car’s emergency kit. Do you have a blanket? A shovel? Some jumper cables?
If you have a natural gas meter, Peoples Gas actually recommends gently brushing snow off it with a broom. Don't use a shovel—you don't want to whack the regulator. Also, check your carbon monoxide detectors. People tend to crank their furnaces when the Chicago forecast for today turns into the "Arctic nightmare" of tomorrow, and you want to make sure your ventilation is clear.
What Most People Miss About "Bear Weather"
There’s a lot of talk about the Rams-Bears game this weekend. People think "Bear Weather" is just about the snow. Kinda, but not really. It’s the wind. Stafford and Caleb Williams are going to be fighting 17 mph sustained winds with higher gusts. Trying to throw a frozen pigskin in 20-degree weather with 20 mph gusts is like trying to throw a brick through a car wash.
Expect a lot of ground game. And if you’re heading to Soldier Field, layer up. The stadium is a wind tunnel.
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Actionable Steps for the Next 24 Hours
First off, finish your outdoor errands by 4:00 PM today. That’s when the light snow starts picking up and visibility might drop to a mile or two.
Second, if you’re a pet owner, remember the rule: if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Salt on the sidewalks can also burn their paws, so maybe look into those little booties or at least wipe their feet when they come back in.
Lastly, sign up for NotifyChicago if you haven't. They’ll ping your phone the second the weather transitions from "annoying" to "dangerous."
Stay warm, Chicago. It’s about to get very real.