Winter in the Chicago suburbs isn't just a season; it’s a full-contact sport. If you’re checking the weather in Des Plaines hourly today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you already know the vibe. It’s cold. Honestly, it’s "stay inside and question your life choices" cold.
Right now, the mercury is sitting at a crisp 17°F, but don't let that number fool you. With an 11 mph wind coming off the southwest, it actually feels like 5°F. That’s the kind of temperature that turns a quick walk to the car into a desperate sprint. The sky is completely cloudy, and there’s a quiet, persistent threat of snow hanging in the air.
Tracking the Weather in Des Plaines Hourly
If you’re planning your day around the weather in Des Plaines hourly changes, keep an eye on the afternoon. We’re looking at a high of 18°F, which basically means the "warmest" part of the day is still well below freezing.
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The humidity is hovering around 57%, which is relatively dry for a snowy day, but that’s going to climb as we head into the evening. Speaking of snow, the current chance of precipitation is sitting at 18%. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s enough to keep the roads slick and your windshield wipers busy.
What the Rest of the Day Looks Like
As we transition into tonight, things get a bit more interesting. Or miserable, depending on how much you like shoveling. The low is expected to bottom out at 2°F.
- Wind Conditions: Expect a steady 12 mph breeze from the southwest. It won't be a gale, but at 2 degrees, any wind feels like a personal attack.
- Snowfall Probability: The chance of light snow jumps from 20% during the day to 35% tonight.
- Visibility: With the UV index at a flat 0 and constant cloud cover, expect "grey" to be the primary color palette for the next twelve hours.
The O'Hare Factor: Why Des Plaines Weather is Unique
You can't talk about Des Plaines without mentioning O'Hare International Airport. Geographically, they’re practically roommates. This proximity means the weather data we get is incredibly precise because the National Weather Service (NWS) maintains high-level instrumentation right on our doorstep at station KORD.
However, being near the airport and the Des Plaines River creates some weird micro-climates. The "urban heat island" effect from all that airport tarmac can sometimes keep our temperatures a degree or two higher than deeper residential pockets, but the open flat land of the airfield also means the wind has nothing to stop it. When that southwest wind kicks up to 12 mph, Des Plaines feels every bit of it.
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Surviving the 18°F High
Look, we’ve all seen people wearing shorts in 30-degree weather. Don’t be that person today. With a feels-like temperature of 5°F, frostbite isn't just a theoretical concept—it's a genuine risk for exposed skin after about 30 minutes.
Since the humidity is expected to rise to 65% by tonight, the air will start to feel "heavy" and damp. That kind of cold sinks into your bones faster than a dry cold. If you're heading out to the Des Plaines River Trail or just running to the grocery store, layers are your only real friends.
Actionable Insights for Today
Basically, today is a day for maintenance and caution. Here is what you actually need to do based on the current forecast:
- Check your tires: Drastic drops toward a low of 2°F will cause your tire pressure light to pop on. Fill them up now while it’s still 17°F.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside without a coat for five minutes, it’s too cold for your dog. Keep those potty breaks short.
- Snow Prep: With a 35% chance of light snow tonight, expect a dusting on your windshield by Monday morning. Pull your wipers up tonight so they don't freeze to the glass.
- Drive for the "Feels Like": Even if the road looks clear, 5°F wind chills mean any moisture on the pavement is 100% ice. There is no such thing as "just a puddle" today.
The weather in Des Plaines hourly indicates a steady, freezing day ahead with light snow likely to pick up after sunset. Stay warm, keep the salt handy for the walkway, and maybe just order in tonight.