Honestly, if you stepped outside in Joliet today, you already know the deal. It’s biting. We aren't just talking about a standard Midwestern chill; we are currently sitting in that deep-freeze pocket where the air feels like it has teeth.
According to the latest data for Sunday, January 18, 2026, the joliet il weather forecast is showing a current temperature of 12°F. But let’s be real—the number on the thermometer is a total lie. With the wind coming out of the southwest at 11 mph, the actual "feels like" temperature has plummeted to a bone-chilling -1°F. It is the kind of cold that makes your car engine groan and your nostrils stick together the second you walk out the door.
What is Happening Today in Joliet?
The sky is a flat, heavy blanket of clouds right now. We are looking at a high of 21°F later today, but don't expect to feel much of a difference. The humidity is hanging around 69%, which just adds that damp, raw edge to the freezing air.
If you have plans for tonight, you might want to reconsider or at least pack a shovel in the trunk. The forecast is calling for snow showers to move in as the sun goes down. We’re looking at a 31% chance of precipitation, and while that doesn't sound like a blizzard, it’s enough to make the local roads like Route 30 or I-80 pretty slick and unpredictable. The temperature is going to bottom out at 6°F tonight.
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Yeah, single digits. Welcome to January in Will County.
The Weirdness of January 2026 So Far
This month has been a total roller coaster for us. Just about ten days ago, on January 8th and 9th, we had that bizarre weather event where it actually hit 60 degrees. The National Weather Service in Chicago even noted that it tied or broke records across the region. We went from flash flooding and spring-like rain to this sub-zero wind chill in basically a week.
It’s enough to give anyone a cold, or at least a massive headache.
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Historically, Joliet averages a high of about 31°F in January. We are well below that right now. Most years, we get about 7 inches of snow throughout the month, and with the flurries expected tonight and more "blustery" conditions predicted for MLK Day tomorrow, we are right on track for that classic, gloomy Illinois winter vibe.
Survival Guide for the Next 24 Hours
Since the wind chill is staying below zero for the foreseeable future, you've gotta be smart.
- Check the pipes. If you’re in one of the older homes near the Cathedral Area or downtown, keep those faucets dripping. A frozen pipe is a nightmare you don't want on a Sunday night.
- Watch the southwest wind. It’s steady at 11 mph. If you’re walking the dog, try to keep your back to the wind, or your face is going to go numb in about four minutes flat.
- The "Snow Shower" Factor. With a low of 6°F, any snow that falls is going to be the dry, powdery stuff. It blows around easily, which means visibility on the roads can drop fast even if it isn't "snowing" hard.
Basically, it's a "stay inside and order a pizza" kind of day. The UV index is a big fat 0, so you aren't missing out on any sunshine anyway.
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Looking Ahead
Tomorrow isn't looking much better. The extended outlook from the NWS suggests we stay in this "blustery" pattern with highs struggling to reach the mid-teens for MLK Day. If you’re commuting toward Chicago or headed out toward Plainfield, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Between the potential for black ice from tonight's flurries and the sub-zero wind chills, the morning trek is going to be a slow one.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Layer up: If you have to go out, wear a moisture-wicking base layer. The 69% humidity means if you sweat even a little under a heavy coat, you'll get chilled to the bone once you stop moving.
- Tire Pressure: Cold like this causes your tire pressure to drop. Check your sensors before you hit the road tonight; driving on under-inflated tires in snow showers is a recipe for a slide.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for 30 seconds, it's too cold for your pets' paws. Keep the walks short.