If you’ve lived in Chicago for more than five minutes, you know the drill. One day you’re looking for your sunglasses, and the next, you’re wondering if your face will actually freeze off while walking to the L. Honestly, the 5 day weather forecast chicago is looking like a classic mid-January rollercoaster. We aren't seeing those weird 60-degree spikes like we had back on January 8th, but we are definitely looking at a "bundle up or regret it" situation starting right now.
Right this second, it’s 17°F out there. But because Chicago loves to keep us humble, the wind coming off the west at 16 mph makes it feel more like 3°F. It’s cloudy, it’s gray, and it’s very, very Chicago.
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What’s Actually Happening Over the Next Few Days?
Let’s break down the 5 day weather forecast chicago.
Today, Saturday, January 17, we're topping out at 19°F. There’s a bit of light snow floating around—nothing major, just a 20% chance—but it’s enough to make the sidewalks a little slick. Tonight, it stays cloudy and drops to about 14°F. Basically, if you’re going out, wear the heavy coat. Not the "fashion" coat. The heavy one.
Sunday is when things get a bit more "winter wonderland" (or "winter headache," depending on your commute). We’re looking at snow showers throughout the day and night. The high is 21°F, but the low is going to tank down to 9°F. This is that dry, powdery snow that the wind just loves to whip around.
The Monday Temperature Cliff
Monday is... well, it’s Monday. But worse.
The high for Monday, January 19, is only 9°F. Read that again. Nine. The low is hitting 7°F. While the sun might peek out (it’s forecasted to be partly sunny), don't let it fool you. The wind is going to be kicking up to 19 mph from the west. When it’s 9 degrees and the wind is gusting, the wind chill is going to be brutal. If you have to be outside, keep your skin covered. Seriously.
Turning the Corner into Wednesday
By Tuesday, we finally see a bit of a "warm-up," if you can call 28°F warm. It’ll be cloudy most of the day, with snow showers likely moving back in at night.
Wednesday, January 21, keeps that trend going with a high of 29°F and some more light snow. It’s a bit more manageable than the single-digit madness of Monday, but the west wind is still going to be at 17 mph.
A Summary of the Numbers
| Day | High | Low | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 17 | 19°F | 14°F | Light snow, 20% chance |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 21°F | 9°F | Snow showers, 25% chance |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 9°F | 7°F | Partly sunny but frigid |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 28°F | 10°F | Cloudy, snow late |
| Wed, Jan 21 | 29°F | 15°F | Light snow, breezy |
Why Mid-January in Chicago is Always Like This
Historically, this is the coldest part of the year for us. According to the National Weather Service, the average high for mid-January is usually around 32°F, but we frequently see these arctic dips. Just last week, we saw record-breaking rain and 60-degree weather, which was a total anomaly. Now, the atmosphere is basically "correcting" itself.
Experts like those at the Climate Prediction Center have been watching the La Niña transition, which often leads to these variable patterns. We get a mix of lake-effect moisture and dry, Canadian air. It’s why one day is slushy and the next is a literal deep freeze.
Survival Tips for the Single-Digit Monday
Honestly, when the 5 day weather forecast chicago shows a high of 9°F, you need to be smart. Check your tire pressure—it drops when the temp does. If you’re a homeowner, keep those cabinet doors open under your sinks to keep the pipes from freezing, especially on Monday night when it hits 7°F.
And for the love of everything, watch out for those snow squalls. We had some nasty ones on January 14th with 60 mph gusts that caused zero visibility. While the winds this week are closer to 20 mph, snow showers in Chicago can turn into a "whiteout" pretty fast if the wind catches a snowflake the right way.
To stay prepared for the rest of the week, make sure your car has a half-tank of gas or more to prevent fuel line freeze-up and keep an emergency kit in the trunk with a blanket and some salt.