Honestly, if you stepped outside this morning in Chicago and thought, "Wow, it feels like an icebox," you aren't imagining things. It is cold. Not just "I need a light jacket" cold, but the kind of cold that makes your car seats feel like bricks and your phone battery drain in five minutes.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and Chicago is currently sitting in a deep freeze that would make a penguin think twice. We are looking at a high of 18°F, but that number is a complete lie. Because of a steady 12 mph wind coming straight out of the west, the Chicago weather today actually feels like a brutal 5°F.
What’s Happening Right Now
If you’re looking out the window, it’s basically just various shades of gray. The sky is overcast, and we’ve got light snow showers moving through. It isn’t a blizzard—not yet, anyway—but it’s enough to make the Kennedy and the Dan Ryan a bit of a mess.
The humidity is hovering around 72%, which sounds high for winter, but in this temperature, it just means the air feels heavy and damp. It’s that "bone-chilling" moisture that sneaks past your scarf.
- Current Temp: 18°F
- RealFeel: 5°F
- Wind: 12 mph (West)
- Sky: Cloudy with light snow
The Afternoon Slog
Don't expect a warmup. Usually, the sun helps out a little, but the UV index today is a flat zero. You won’t see the sun, and you certainly won’t feel it.
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The high for the day is capped at 18°F. That’s it. That’s the peak. By the time the sun sets—which feels like it happens at lunch these days—we’re heading toward a low of 14°F.
Interestingly, the chance of snow actually increases as we head into the night. While we only have a 10% chance of flurries during the day, that jumps up to 25% after dark. If you have late-night plans in Logan Square or the West Loop, keep an eye on the side streets. They’re going to get slick fast.
Why Chicago Weather Today is Messing With Your Weekend
A lot of people think that once the snow stops, the "danger" is over. That’s a mistake. The real issue with the Chicago weather today isn't the volume of snow—it's the temperature drop combined with the wind.
When it’s 18°F with a 12 mph wind, exposed skin can start to feel the effects of frostbite much faster than you’d think. If you’re walking the dog or waiting for the "L," make sure your ears and fingers are actually covered.
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The Snow Situation
The city is reporting light showers of snow throughout the evening. We aren't expecting a foot of accumulation, but with the ground this cold, every flake that hits the pavement is staying there. It’s a "dry" snow, the kind that blows around and creates those annoying mini-drifts across the sidewalk.
Looking Ahead to Tonight
Tonight remains cloudy with that 25% chance of snow. The west wind isn't letting up, staying steady at 12 mph. This means the "feels like" temperature is going to stay in the single digits well into Sunday morning.
The city has already opened warming centers at places like the Garfield Center on Kedzie, and most public libraries and park district buildings are available if you or someone you know needs to get out of the cold.
Survival Tips for the 5-Degree RealFeel
Look, we’re Chicagoans. We do this every year. But every year, we also see people trying to run to the grocery store in hoodies and pajama pants. Don't be that person today.
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- Layers are your best friend. One giant parka is okay, but two medium sweaters and a windbreaker are actually warmer because they trap air between the layers.
- Watch the West Wind. Since the wind is coming from the west, the east-west streets (like North Ave or Irving Park) are going to feel like wind tunnels. If you’re walking, try to stick to the north-south blocks where the buildings can block some of that gust.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low air" light came on this morning, it’s because the air inside the tire literally shrunk in the 18°F weather.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your commute before you head out. Even "light snow" causes people to forget how to drive on I-94. If you’re staying in, make sure your thermostat is set to a consistent temp—flicking it up and down when it’s this cold outside just makes your furnace work twice as hard.
Most importantly, if you have neighbors who are elderly or live alone, give them a quick text or a knock. A quick check-in goes a long way when the wind chill is sitting at 5 degrees.
Stay warm, keep the coffee hot, and maybe just stay on the couch today.