So, you’re looking at the temperature of Chicago today and probably thinking, "Hey, 15 degrees doesn't sound that bad for mid-January." Honestly, if you’ve lived in the Windy City long enough, you know the number on the app is basically a polite lie.
Right now, we are sitting at a crisp 15°F, but the "feels like" situation is a whole different story. Because of a steady 15 mph wind coming straight out of the west, it actually feels like -0°F out there. Yeah, negative zero—which is just a fancy way of saying "stay inside and make another pot of coffee."
The Breakdown: What’s Actually Happening Outside
The sky is doing that thing where it looks beautiful but feels like a trap. It’s mostly sunny, which usually tricks people into thinking they can skip the heavy parka for a quick run to the store. Don't do it.
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We’re looking at a high of 19°F later today, but the clouds are going to roll back in. By the afternoon, we’re expecting snow showers. It's not a blizzard by any means—just about a 20% chance—but in Chicago, even a dusting on top of frozen pavement makes Lake Shore Drive a total mess.
Today’s Numbers at a Glance
- Current Temp: 15°F
- RealFeel: -0°F (The wind is the culprit here)
- Daily High: 19°F
- Tonight’s Low: 10°F
- Wind Speed: 15 to 18 mph
- Condition: Mostly sunny now, snow showers later
Why 15 Degrees Feels Like Nothing in Chicago
There's a certain kind of "Chicago Tough" that kicks in this time of year. Last week, we were dealing with those wild 60-degree spikes and flash flooding, and now we’re back to the standard January grind.
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If you remember January 17, 1982, today feels like a tropical vacation. Back then, the city hit a record low of -23°F. That’s the kind of cold that turns your breath into actual ice crystals before you can even finish a sentence. Compared to that, our current temperature of Chicago today is pretty manageable, provided you have the right gear.
Surviving the "Feels Like" Factor
The humidity is hanging around 67%, which adds a damp bite to the air. When you mix that with west-moving winds, your exposed skin starts to feel the sting in about ten minutes.
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Most people get it wrong by focusing on the 19-degree high. In reality, the 18 mph gusts are what dictate your day. If you’re heading to Midway or O'Hare, things are looking okay for now—visibility is good—but those afternoon snow showers could easily trigger the "de-icing delay" dance we all know too well.
Pro-Tips for Navigating the Chill
If you have to be out, layer up. No, seriously.
- The Base Layer: Wear something moisture-wicking. Even in 15-degree weather, you can sweat if you're walking fast, and damp clothes in a -0°F wind chill are a recipe for disaster.
- Watch the Roads: With a low of 10°F tonight, any melted snow from the afternoon showers is going to flash-freeze. Salt trucks are out, but side streets in neighborhoods like Logan Square or Pilsen get slick fast.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for five minutes, it’s too cold for your dog. Keep the walks short today.
Basically, the temperature of Chicago today is a reminder that winter is finally settling in for the long haul. We had a weirdly warm start to the month, but the "Polar Vortex" chatter is starting to pick up for the end of January. For now, enjoy the sun while it lasts this morning, because the gray clouds and flurries are already on the horizon.
Next Steps: Check your tire pressure tonight. Drastic drops in temperature like the one we're seeing—falling toward 10°F—will almost certainly trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.