Winter in Chicago isn't just a season; it's a personality trait. If you're standing in Terminal 3 right now, you probably know exactly what I mean. The wind whistles through the jet bridges, and the sky is that specific shade of "O'Hare Gray" that makes you wonder if the sun even exists anymore.
Honestly, checking the chicago o'hare weather forecast is a survival skill for anyone trying to get in or out of the Midwest. Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re looking at a classic January mix that’s keeping the ground crews on their toes.
Right now, it’s a crisp 23°F outside. But if you’re actually out on the tarmac, it feels like 11°F thanks to a 12 mph wind coming out of the south. That "feels like" temperature is the one that actually matters for the mechanics and baggage handlers who are basically the unsung heroes of your vacation.
The Reality of the Chicago O'Hare Weather Forecast Today
We’ve got a high of 36°F today, which sounds almost tropical compared to the 15°F low we’re expecting tonight. But don’t let that mid-thirties number fool you. There is a 54% chance of snow during the day.
It’s not just about the snow falling; it’s about how it interacts with the wind. Later tonight, the wind is expected to shift to the southwest at about 12 mph. While that’s not exactly a gale-force wind, in the world of aviation, even a slight shift changes which runways the FAA uses.
Why Your Flight Is Actually Delayed
Most people think a delay is just "too much snow." It’s actually way more technical. O’Hare has eight runways, and which ones they use depends entirely on the wind direction. If the wind gusts hit 35 mph—like they did earlier this week—the airport has to funnel traffic into fewer lanes. It’s like a four-lane highway suddenly dropping to one.
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Here is the current breakdown for today, January 16:
- Cloud Cover: Pretty much 100%. It’s a "cloudy" day and night.
- Precipitation: 54% chance of snow this afternoon, dropping to 35% tonight.
- Humidity: Sitting heavy at 80-82%. That makes the air feel "thick" and bone-chilling.
Currently, the FAA is reporting gate holds and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less. That’s actually great news. Usually, when the snow starts sticking, those numbers climb fast. Some flights coming in from the East Coast are already seeing airborne delays, so if you're waiting for a plane to arrive so you can board it, keep an eye on the "incoming" status.
The Science of the "Big Orange Spray"
If you're sitting by the window and see a giant truck spraying orange or green liquid on the wings, you're witnessing the de-icing dance. Gene Herrick, a de-icing manager at O’Hare, once pointed out that they de-ice planes 6,000 to 10,000 times a season here.
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They use two types of fluid. The orange stuff (Type I) is heated to 140°F to melt the ice off. The green stuff (Type IV) is thicker and acts like a shield to keep new ice from sticking while the plane waits to take off.
At O’Hare, they have a massive 835,000-square-foot Central Deicing Facility. It’s basically a car wash for planes, but with much higher stakes. It can handle 20 narrow-body planes at once. This facility is the main reason O’Hare doesn't just shut down the second a snowflake hits the ground.
How to Not Get Stranded
Looking at the chicago o'hare weather forecast, you have to be proactive. Waiting for the airline to text you is a rookie mistake.
- Check the METAR data. If you want to feel like a pilot, look up the KORD METAR. It tells you the exact visibility and ceiling height. If visibility drops below half a mile, start looking for a hotel or an earlier flight.
- The "Incoming" Trick. Use a flight tracker to see where your plane is before it gets to Chicago. If the plane meant to take you to Phoenix is currently stuck in a snow squall in Minneapolis, you aren’t leaving on time.
- The Wind Shift. Tonight’s shift to the southwest is minor, but keep an eye on it. Crosswinds are the secret enemy of on-time departures.
O'Hare is a beast, but it's a well-oiled machine. Even with a 54% chance of snow today, the airport is designed to handle this. The real trouble starts when the temperature and dew point get too close together—that’s when the fog rolls in off Lake Michigan and things get truly messy.
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For the rest of today, expect cloudy skies and intermittent flakes. It's typical Chicago. Pack an extra layer in your carry-on, because even if the cabin is warm, the jet bridge definitely won't be.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your airline's app for "Estimated Turnaround Time" rather than just the departure time. If the snow picks up past the 54% threshold this afternoon, look into the "Central Deicing Facility" status on the FlightAware "Airport Delays" board to see if taxi times are exceeding 40 minutes.