Honestly, if you’re living in La Grange Park right now, you probably already know the honeymoon phase of early winter is officially over. We’ve hit that point in January where the air doesn't just feel cold—it feels personal.
Right now, as of Sunday night, January 18, 2026, it is 17°F outside. But that’s a bit of a lie, isn’t it? With the wind kicking up from the southwest at about 7 mph, the real-feel temperature is hovering closer to 8°F. We’re seeing light snow showers across the village, and while it's not a full-blown blizzard yet, it’s enough to make the salt trucks a permanent fixture on La Grange Road.
What Most People Get Wrong About January in La Grange Park
People talk about Chicago winters like they’re one big, consistent block of ice. They aren’t. In La Grange Park, the "coldest day" of the year traditionally hits around January 29, but 2026 is throwing us a curveball a week early.
If you look at the historical data, our average high for January is usually around 32°F, with lows near 20°F. This week? We aren't even coming close to those "warm" averages.
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We are currently tracking a massive Arctic air mass that's moving in. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, the high is only expected to reach 7°F. You read that right. Seven. With a low of 2°F at night and winds gusting up to 18 mph, the wind chill is going to be dangerous. It’s the kind of weather where your car takes five extra minutes to realize it's actually supposed to start.
The Immediate Forecast: A Week of Teeth-Chattering Temps
The village is basically a snow globe for the next 48 hours. Here’s the breakdown of what to expect over the next few days in La Grange Park:
- Tonight: Expect light snow showers to continue. We’ve got a 28% chance of precipitation, though it’s mostly just "nuisance snow" rather than "shovel-your-heart-out" snow.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: A slight "warm-up" to 26°F, but don't get too excited. Snow showers are likely to return in the evening with about a 25% chance of accumulation.
- The Friday Drop: If you think Monday is bad, Friday, January 23 is looking even rougher. We’re forecasting a high of only 4°F and a brutal low of -7°F.
Basically, keep the heavy parka by the door. You’re gonna need it.
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Why Our Humidity is Making it Feel Worse
Current humidity is sitting at 79%. In some places, high humidity in winter is a blessing because the air doesn't feel like a desert, but in the Great Lakes region, it just makes the cold feel "heavy." It’s that damp, bone-chilling cold that cuts through even the best wool layers.
Historical Context: Are We Breaking Records?
While this week is going to be miserable, it’s worth remembering that La Grange Park has seen much worse. We’ve had instances, like the 2011 Groundhog Day Blizzard, where the entire Chicagoland area was buried under 21+ inches of snow.
More recently, back in July 2023, the village dealt with massive flooding from heavy rain events that dumped over 9 inches in parts of Cook County. We seem to bounce between extremes—either we’re drowning in summer storms or freezing in sub-zero Januarys. Compared to the 6.46 inches of rain recorded at some local stations during the remnants of Hurricane Ike in 2008, a few inches of snow and a -7°F low is just standard Illinois business.
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Actionable Steps for La Grange Park Residents
If you're heading out to the 31st Street corridor or trying to commute via the Metra this week, here’s how to handle this specific weather pattern:
- Check Your Tires: When the temp drops from 17°F to 4°F in a few days, your tire pressure is going to plummet. Fill 'em up now before the "Low Pressure" light starts yelling at you.
- Humidity Management: With humidity at 79% and temperatures dropping, watch for frost buildup on the inside of your windows. It’s a sign your indoor humidity might be a bit too high for the extreme outdoor cold.
- Pipe Protection: When we hit that -7°F low on Friday, open the cabinets under your sinks. Let that warm house air circulate around the pipes, especially if they’re on an exterior wall.
- Commuter Alert: Winds are coming from the West/Northwest at 10-18 mph for most of the week. If you’re waiting on a train platform, stand on the east side of any shelters to block that biting wind.
Stay warm, La Grange Park. It’s going to be a long, cold walk from the parking lot this week.