You’ve probably heard the jokes about Chicago winters being a different breed, but honestly, what’s happening with the forecast for Chicago today isn't much of a laughing matter. We are currently sitting in the middle of a legitimate arctic grip.
It is cold. Really cold.
Right now, the thermometer is hovering at exactly 18°F, but if you step outside, your face is going to tell a completely different story. Because of those biting west winds at 12 mph, it actually feels like 5°F. That’s a massive gap. When the "feels like" temperature drops that low, we’re talking about a situation where exposed skin starts to get grumpy fast.
The Real Numbers You Need to Know
Tonight isn't getting any friendlier. We are looking at a low of 14°F. While that doesn't sound significantly lower than the daytime high of 18°F, the consistency of this cold is what drains the battery—both literally in your car and figuratively in your spirit.
There is a 20% chance of snow tonight, specifically characterized as light snow showers. It’s not a blizzard, but with the humidity sitting at 67%, it’s that damp, heavy cold that seems to seep right through a puffer jacket.
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The wind is the real protagonist here.
While it’s currently around 12 mph, the daily forecast shows it peaking closer to 16 mph coming from the west. In a city like Chicago, those west winds whistle between the high-rises and turn a basic walk to the "L" station into a survival mission.
Survival Mode: Warming Centers and Safety
Cook County isn't taking this lightly. Because this snap is expected to linger, warming centers are officially opening up across the area. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep the heat on, the courthouses in Skokie, Maywood, and Markham are opening their doors starting at 6 p.m. tonight, January 17. They’re staying open 24/7 until Wednesday morning because this isn't just a one-night event.
Interestingly, they’re even making room for pets in carriers, which is a detail most people overlook until they're in a pinch.
What’s Coming Next?
Looking at the forecast for Chicago today, we have to acknowledge that this is just the opening act. The UV index is a flat 0 right now, and even at its peak today, it only hit 1. Basically, don't expect the sun to help you out. It’s a gray, cloudy, and snowy weekend.
Tomorrow is looking even tougher. We're expecting more snow and temperatures that might make today's 18°F feel like a tropical vacation.
If you're heading out, you've got to layer. And I don't mean just a heavy coat. You need the base layers, the wool socks, and something to block the wind. Chicago's Office of Emergency Management is specifically warning people about "flash freezes" and visibility issues on the roads, especially after the snow squalls we saw earlier this week.
Stay inside if you can. If you can't, keep your phone charged and maybe throw an extra blanket in the trunk of your car.
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Immediate Steps for Chicagoans:
- Check your pipes: Keep a slow drip going in your faucets to prevent a midnight plumbing disaster.
- Clear the meters: If you have a natural gas meter outside, brush the snow off gently with a broom—don't use a shovel or kick it.
- Automotive check: Cold like this kills older car batteries; if your engine sounds sluggish starting today, it might not start at all tomorrow.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt, it’s too cold for your dog’s paws on the pavement for more than a few minutes.