Honestly, if you live in the 60629 zip code, you’ve probably realized by now that the "Windy City" nickname is kinda an understatement. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and as I’m writing this, the thermometer in West Lawn and Chicago Lawn is sitting at a crisp 28°F. But here’s the kicker: with that southwest wind kicking up at 10 mph, it actually feels like 19°F.
That’s the Chicago tax. You pay it in shivering.
Most people looking up the weather Chicago IL 60629 expect a generic city forecast, but those of us near Midway Airport know better. There’s a specific brand of winter here. Today, we’re looking at light snow showers with about an 83% chance of precipitation during the day. The high might reach 36°F, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a "warm" winter day. By tonight, it’s dropping back down to 21°F.
Why 60629 Weather Hits Different
You ever notice how the weather at Midway feels slightly different than the lakefront? It’s basically because we’re further inland. While the lakefront gets that "lake effect" moderation, the 60629 area is deep in the urban heat island.
Buildings and asphalt soak up heat, sure, but in January, that doesn't mean much when a clipper storm drops down from Canada. We aren't just dealing with cold; we're dealing with the specific microclimate of the Southwest Side.
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- Current Temp: 28°F
- Wind Chill: 19°F
- Humidity: 83% (Yeah, it’s that damp, bone-chilling cold)
- Sky: Light snow showers
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, things get even more "Chicago." The high is only going to hit 20°F, and the low will bottom out at 13°F. We’re talking snow showers all day and night. If you’ve got plans at Pulaski Park or you're heading down 63rd Street, maybe just... don't. Or at least wear the heavy parka. The one you keep for when the "real feel" hits the single digits.
The Mid-January Deep Freeze
The forecast for the next few days is a bit of a rollercoaster. Monday, January 19, is looking particularly brutal. We’re expecting a high of only 9°F and a low of 3°F. Honestly, that’s the kind of weather where your car starts making noises it shouldn't and the salt on the roads basically stops working.
It’s important to remember that 60629 is right in the flight path for Midway. When the wind picks up to 16 mph like it's supposed to on Monday, those open spaces around the airport turn into a wind tunnel.
Survival Tips for the Southwest Side
- Layer like an onion. I’m talking base layers, flannels, and then the big coat.
- Watch the humidity. At 83%, the air holds the cold against your skin. It’s not a "dry cold" like they have out west.
- Midway Factor: If you’re traveling, give yourself an extra hour. Light snow might not look bad, but it turns the residential streets in 60629 into ice rinks.
Historically, January is the boss level of Chicago weather. We’ve seen records as low as -27°F back in '85. While 2026 isn't hitting those catastrophic numbers today, the constant swing between 36°F and 3°F is enough to mess with anyone’s pipes—and their mood.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're in the 60629 area, check your tire pressure today. Cold air makes the "low pressure" light pop up, and nobody wants to be at a gas station air pump when it’s 19 degrees out. Also, keep an eye on the Saturday snow totals; while only light showers are predicted, Chicago "light" can still mean a messy driveway. Salt your walkways tonight before the temp drops to 21°F and turns today's slush into tomorrow's lawsuit.