If you’ve lived in the 60639 zip code for more than a week, you’ve probably realized that "Chicago weather" is a bit of a lie. Well, maybe not a lie, but it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. While the lakefront is freezing in the spring and surprisingly mild in the fall, the Belmont Cragin and Hermosa areas—the heart of 60639—operate on their own vibe.
It's cold. Like, bone-chilling cold.
As of Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, the current temperature in Chicago is sitting at a crisp 11°F. But honestly, that number is a bit of a tease. With a 9 mph wind coming out of the southwest, the "feels like" temperature has tanked to -1°F. If you’re heading out to the Brickyard or grabbing coffee on Armitage, that's the number that actually matters.
The 60639 Microclimate: Beyond the Lake Effect
Most people think Chicago weather is all about Lake Michigan. In 60639, you’re about six or seven miles inland. That’s far enough that the immediate "lake cooling" in the summer doesn't always reach you, but close enough that you still get hit with the humidity.
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Basically, we get the worst of both worlds.
In the winter, the urban heat island effect is our only real friend. Because this area is so densely packed with bungalows and asphalt, it can stay about 2°F warmer than the rural outskirts of Illinois. It’s not much, but when it’s 7:33 AM and you’re scraping ice off a windshield, you’ll take every degree you can get.
Today's Breakdown
The sky is mostly cloudy right now, but don't let the lack of a blizzard fool you. There's a 25% chance of snow showers throughout the day. We’re looking at a high of 20°F and a low tonight of 7°F.
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- Wind: Southwest at 11 mph.
- Humidity: Hovering around 64%.
- UV Index: A solid 1 (so, yeah, no sunglasses needed).
What the Next Week Looks Like (Brace Yourself)
If you were hoping for a January thaw, I’ve got some bad news. The forecast for the next few days looks like a staircase leading straight into a freezer.
Monday, January 19, is going to be particularly rough. The high is only 8°F, and the low drops to 4°F. To make matters worse, the wind is picking up to 18 mph from the west. When the wind comes from the west in 60639, there’s nothing to block it. It just whips down the side streets.
Tuesday gives us a tiny break with a high of 26°F, but by Wednesday, we’re back into the "light snow" territory with a 35% chance of precipitation.
Mid-Week Reality Check
By Friday, January 23, the lows are hitting 3°F. That’s the kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze the second you step out of the door. If you’ve got pipes that tend to freeze in these old Chicago two-flats, this is the week they’re going to give you trouble.
Dealing With the 60639 Winter Slump
Honestly, the weather in Chicago IL 60639 is as much about the community as it is the meteorology. You see it in the "dibs" chairs popping up on the streets—though, with only a 10% to 25% chance of snow today, the shovelers haven't gone into full war mode yet.
According to Dr. Jim Angel and the Illinois State Water Survey, January is historically our toughest month. We average about 9.5 hours of daylight. By the time most people get off work, the sun is already setting over the western suburbs, leaving 60639 in a gray, chilly twilight.
Actionable Steps for the Week
Don't just sit there and shiver. There are a few things you should actually do to handle this specific forecast:
- Check the Southwest Wind: Since the wind is coming from the southwest today and switching to the west tomorrow, check the seals on your west-facing windows. A little plastic film goes a long way when it's -1°F outside.
- Pet Safety: With lows hitting 1°F by next Sunday (January 25), limit dog walks to quick "business trips." The salt on the sidewalks in Hermosa and Belmont Cragin can also be brutal on their paws.
- Humidity Management: The current humidity is 69%, which is high for winter. It makes the cold feel "heavy." Use a humidifier indoors to keep your skin from cracking, but don't overdo it or you'll get frost on the inside of your windows.
- Travel Prep: If you’re taking the Fullerton or Belmont bus, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Cold like this slows down the hydraulics and the humans.
The stretch from now until Tuesday, January 27, is going to stay below freezing, with highs rarely breaking into the upper 20s. Layer up, keep the salt handy for the porch steps, and maybe order in from your favorite local spot instead of trekking out in the wind chill.