You know how everyone in the Chicago suburbs has that one neighbor who thinks they can predict a blizzard because their knee hurts? Honestly, in Des Plaines, that neighbor might actually be onto something. Predicting des plaines il weather 10 day stretches is basically like trying to fold a fitted sheet in the dark. It’s messy, unpredictable, and usually leaves you a little frustrated.
Right now, as we sit in the middle of January 2026, the city is staring down a forecast that looks more like a mood ring than a weather chart.
Tonight, January 15, we're looking at a current temperature of 24°F. But here’s the kicker: it feels like 14°F. That 10-degree "bite" is courtesy of a 9 mph wind coming out of the south. If you’re heading out toward Rivers Casino or just grabbing a late beef at Paradise Pup, that’s the gap between "brisk" and "actually painful."
The 10-Day Outlook: A Deep Freeze with a Side of Flurries
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that the Des Plaines River is the real boss of the local climate. It dictates the humidity and, quite often, the stress levels of everyone living near Big Bend.
The next few days aren't going to be a tropical vacation. Friday, January 16, brings a high of 35°F with snow showers throughout the day. It’s that wet, heavy slush that makes the drive down Northwest Highway a nightmare. By Saturday, January 17, the temperature drops off a cliff to a high of only 20°F.
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Wait, it gets better.
Monday, January 19, is looking particularly brutal. We're talking about a high of 7°F. Yes, single digits. With a 18 mph wind coming from the west, the wind chill is going to be something you tell your grandkids about (or at least complain about on Facebook).
Why the Forecast Usually Lies to You
Most people check their phone, see a sun icon, and leave their gloves at home. Big mistake. Des Plaines sits in this weird pocket where O’Hare’s massive concrete footprint and the river’s moisture create a micro-climate.
Historically, January is our coldest month. We average a high of 31°F and a low of 18°F. But 2026 is pushing those boundaries. The weather stations might say "partly sunny," but with the humidity sitting around 57% to 75% this week, that cold is going to seep right through your "heavy" wool coat.
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Real Talk on the River
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Des Plaines River.
As of this week, the gauge at Algonquin Road is sitting at a safe stage. NOAA and the National Weather Service aren't showing any active flood warnings for the immediate 10-day window, which is a massive relief for anyone in the 100-year floodplain. However, with snow showers predicted for five out of the next ten days, the "snow-to-liquid" ratio matters.
If we get a sudden warm-up—like that brief 35°F on Friday—and it rains instead of snows, the ground is too frozen to soak it up. That's when we start watching the "Action" stage of 12.5 feet at the DMPI2 gauge.
Surviving the Des Plaines 10-Day Stretch
You've got to be smarter than the Lake Michigan lake-effect machine.
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Layering isn't just a suggestion; it’s a survival strategy. When Monday hits that 7°F mark, you need a moisture-wicking base layer. Cotton is your enemy when it's this cold because if you sweat even a little while shoveling, that dampness turns into an ice pack against your skin.
- Check your tire pressure. These 20-degree swings cause your TPMS light to go off like a Christmas tree.
- Watch the southwest wind. Friday and Saturday will see gusts from the SW that make the wind chill significantly lower than the "official" temp.
- Garage your car if possible. With humidity hitting 75% tomorrow, frost on the inside of the windshield is a real possibility.
Looking Toward Next Week
By the time we hit Wednesday, January 21, things "warm up" to a high of 28°F. It’ll feel like a heatwave compared to Monday’s deep freeze. We're looking at mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of snow. Basically, it’s typical Illinois winter—grey, cold, and slightly damp.
The 10-day window wraps up on Saturday, January 24, with a return to the low 20s. It’s a relentless cycle.
If you’re planning any outdoor work or local travel, do it on Friday before the Arctic air moves in on Sunday night. Sunday’s low of 6°F is the gateway to a very uncomfortable work week.
Actionable Insights for the Week Ahead:
- Seal the Gaps: If you live in one of the older bungalows near downtown, check your door sweeps today. That 18 mph wind on Monday will find every crack.
- Pet Safety: If the "Feels Like" is under 15°F (which is every night this week), limit dog walks to five minutes. Their paws can't handle the salt and the cold combined.
- River Watch: Keep an eye on the NOAA hydrograph if the Friday snow turns into a heavy rain-snow mix. Frozen ground + 0.5 inches of rain is a recipe for backyard ponding.
Stay warm out there. Don't trust the sun icon—it’s a trap.