Honestly, if you stepped outside in Chicago yesterday, January 16, 2026, you already know the numbers don't tell the whole story. The official high hit 35°F, which sounds like a typical, almost manageable Midwestern winter day. But let’s be real. Between the biting wind and the gray sky that felt like it was sitting right on top of the Willis Tower, "manageable" isn't the word most people used.
Chicago weather is basically a game of "how much gear can I wear before I can't move my arms." Yesterday was a prime example of that struggle.
The Temperature in Chicago Yesterday: Breaking Down the Numbers
While the peak reached 35°F, the low dipped down to 17°F as the sun tucked away. That’s an 18-degree swing. If you were out for a morning coffee run, you were dealing with temperatures in the mid-20s. By the time the commute home rolled around, the mercury was already sliding back toward the teens.
The wind was the real culprit, though. We saw consistent west winds at about 14 mph. That might not sound like a hurricane, but in Chicago, a 14-mph wind in January turns a 35-degree afternoon into a "why do I live here?" experience. The National Weather Service (NWS) actually noted that wind chills were hovering much lower than the actual air temperature, often making it feel like it was in the single digits or low teens during the overnight hours.
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A Quick Look at the Stats
- Maximum Temperature: 35°F
- Minimum Temperature: 17°F
- Wind Speed: 14 mph (from the West)
- Humidity: 67%
- Precipitation: Snow showers throughout the day
It’s kinda wild to think that just a week ago, on January 8th and 9th, the city was breaking records with 60-degree weather and flash flooding. Going from 60°F to a 17°F low in a matter of days is exactly why everyone in this city has a permanent "weather-related headache."
Snow and the "Wintry Mix" Factor
The temperature in Chicago yesterday wasn't just about the cold; it was about the moisture. We had a 70% chance of snow during the daytime. It wasn't one of those big, beautiful cinematic snowfalls. It was more of that annoying, wet, slushy mix that ruins your shoes and makes the Kennedy Expressway a nightmare.
Humidity stayed high at around 67%. In the summer, that’s "mugginess." In the winter, it’s that damp cold that gets right into your bones. No amount of wool seems to stop it. The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) actually put out a reminder for people to check on their neighbors. When the temp hits 17°F and the wind is blowing, those warming centers become a literal lifeline for a lot of folks.
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Why It Felt Colder
The "feels like" factor is huge here. When you mix a 17°F low with 14 mph winds, the physics of heat loss change. Basically, your body loses heat way faster than it can produce it. Yesterday afternoon, even when the thermometer said 35°F, most people felt like it was closer to 25°F.
Looking Ahead: Is It Getting Worse?
If you think yesterday was tough, the forecast for the rest of this weekend is looking even more brutal. We’re staring down highs of only 20°F for Saturday and 22°F for Sunday. The lows? They're headed toward 9°F or even 6°F by Monday.
The city is basically transitioning from "annoying winter" to "dangerously cold winter" over the next 48 hours. If you haven't dug out your heavy-duty parka or the thermal leggings yet, today is the day to do it.
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Actionable Tips for the Next Deep Freeze
Since the temperature is only going down from here, you've gotta be smart.
- Layer up properly: Wicking layer first, insulating layer second, windproof shell third.
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps like yesterday’s 18-degree drop cause air to compress, meaning your "low tire" light is probably about to pop on.
- Watch the pipes: If you're in an older bungalow or a garden unit, leave the faucets dripping slightly when it hits those single digits later this weekend.
- Limit pet time: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a coat, it's too cold for your dog's paws.
Stay warm out there. Chicago winters are a marathon, not a sprint, and yesterday was just the warm-up lap for the deep freeze coming our way.