If you are looking out your window in the Loop or checking your phone before a commute, you're likely asking: is it raining in Chicago right now? Honestly, the short answer is no. It is not raining. But that doesn’t mean it’s a clear day by any stretch of the imagination.
Right now, Chicago is sitting under a heavy blanket of clouds. The current temperature is exactly 30°F, and it feels more like 20°F because of a steady 15 mph wind coming in from the southwest. Instead of rain, the real concern for Chicagoans today is snow. We have a 19% chance of snow currently, which actually bumps up as the day goes on.
Understanding the forecast: Is it raining in Chicago right now or is snow on the way?
While it’s dry at this exact moment, the sky is definitely threatening. We’ve got a high humidity level of 86%. Usually, when it's this cold and humid in the Windy City, we start looking for flakes rather than drops.
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The daily forecast for this Friday, January 16, 2026, shows that the chance of precipitation actually climbs to 35% during the daytime. And again—it's expected to be snow, not rain. The high for the day is only hitting 35°F, which is just barely above freezing. If anything falls from the sky, the air column is likely cold enough to keep it frozen or at least turn it into that gray, slushy mess we all know and love.
Why the "feels like" temperature matters more than the radar
You can't just look at a radar and decide if you need a coat.
With wind speeds hitting 16 mph later today, that 20°F wind chill is the real story. Chicago's lake-effect dynamics often make "dry" days feel much more intense than a light rain would. Even without active precipitation, that moisture in the air (83-86% humidity) makes the cold "sink" into your bones.
What to expect for the rest of Friday
If you are planning to be out tonight, keep an eye on the sky.
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- The evening brings a 25% chance of snow.
- Conditions will stay mostly cloudy.
- Temperatures will drop to a low of 19°F.
- Southwest winds will persist, keeping the chill factor high.
Basically, keep the umbrella in the closet but keep the ice scraper handy. The chance of actual liquid rain is effectively zero given these temperatures. It's a classic January day in Illinois—gray, biting, and hovering right at that threshold where the moisture in the air is just waiting for a reason to turn into a flurry.
Actionable Insights for Chicagoans Today:
- Layer up: Since the "feels like" temp is 10 degrees lower than the actual temp, a wind-resistant outer shell is better than just a heavy knit sweater.
- Check the tires: With a 35% chance of snow today and a drop to 19°F tonight, any moisture on the roads will likely freeze over.
- Skip the car wash: Between the 86% humidity and the impending 25-35% chance of snow, your car isn't staying clean for more than twenty minutes.
- Watch the southwest wind: If you’re walking east-west between buildings downtown, expect those wind tunnels to be particularly aggressive today.