If you just stepped outside in the Loop or tried to catch a bus on Michigan Avenue, you already know the vibe. It is cold. Honestly, it's that specific kind of Chicago cold that doesn't just sit on your skin—it actively tries to get into your bones.
Right now, the temperature in Chicago is 17°F.
But let’s be real for a second. Nobody who lives here actually cares about that number. What matters is the feels-like temperature, which is currently sitting at a brutal 1°F. That 16-degree gap is thanks to a 15 mph wind coming out of the southwest. It’s the kind of night where your eyelashes might actually freeze together if you walk too fast.
What the Temperature in Chicago Actually Means for Your Saturday
We are currently in the thick of a classic mid-January stretch. The high today only managed to crawl up to 19°F, and we’re looking at a low of 13°F overnight. It’s cloudy, kind of grey, and basically exactly what you’d expect from January 17th in the 606.
If you’re looking out the window and seeing those white flakes, you aren't imagining things. There’s about an 18% chance of snow right now, continuing the trend from earlier today when we saw some light dusting across the city.
The humidity is hanging around 68%, which makes the air feel heavy and damp, even though it’s well below freezing. It’s not a "dry cold" today. It’s a "sink into your coat" cold.
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The Wind Factor at Soldier Field
If you’re one of the brave (or perhaps slightly insane) souls heading to the Rams-Bears game tomorrow, the temperature in Chicago is going to be your main opponent. Kickoff is looking like it’ll be around 20°F, but with those lakefront gusts, the wind chill is expected to drop it down near 0°F.
The Bears actually issued a warning for fans to gear up properly. We’re talking thermal layers, hand warmers, and probably three pairs of socks.
Historical Context: It Could Be Much Worse
Sometimes it helps to remember that Chicago has seen much darker days. Back in 1982, on this exact date (January 17), the city hit a record low of -23°F. That wasn't the "feels like"—that was the actual air temperature.
Compared to that, 17°F feels like a tropical vacation, right? Kinda.
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Quick Snapshot of the Current Conditions:
- Actual Temp: 17°F
- Real Feel: 1°F
- Wind: 15 mph (Southwest)
- Condition: Cloudy/Nighttime
- Snow Chance: 18%
Honestly, the biggest risk tonight isn't just the cold; it's the slickness. With light snow earlier and temperatures staying way below freezing, any moisture on the side streets is basically a skating rink now.
Survival Tips for Tonight
If you have to be out, do the "Chicago Layer." It’s not just about a heavy coat. You need a base layer that wicks moisture, a middle layer for insulation (fleece is your friend), and a wind-blocking outer shell.
And don't forget the extremities. Most of your heat loss isn't actually through your head (that’s an old myth), but exposed skin anywhere will start to hurt within minutes when the wind chill is near zero.
Basically, if you don't have to go out, maybe just order some deep dish and stay on the couch. The temperature in Chicago isn't going to get any friendlier until at least the middle of next week when we might—fingers crossed—see the 30s again.
Next Steps for Chicagoans:
- Check the CTA trackers before leaving the house to minimize time standing on outdoor platforms.
- If you’re driving, clear all the snow off your roof; don't be that person who lets a sheet of ice fly off on I-90.
- Keep your pets inside; if it's too cold for you to stand out there in a t-shirt, it's too cold for them to be out for more than a quick bathroom break.