If you’ve spent any time in the 60659 zip code—think West Ridge, Peterson Park, and North Park—you know the weather isn't just a topic of conversation. It's a survival tactic. Honestly, while the rest of the city looks to O’Hare for their forecast, people up here know that our proximity to the North Shore and those specific pockets of greenery can make things feel a bit different.
Right now, it's basically a classic January setup. As of Thursday afternoon, January 15, 2026, the temperature in Chicago is sitting at 24°F. But let’s be real: that number is a lie. With the wind coming out of the southwest at 8 mph, the feels like temperature is 16°F. It’s sunny, which is a nice psychological trick, but it’s cold. Period.
Why 60659 Weather Isn't Just "Chicago Weather"
Most people just check the general "Chicago" tag and call it a day. That’s a mistake. The 60659 area has a specific microclimate vibe. You’ve got the North Shore Channel trail cutting through and the massive green space of the Rosehill Cemetery and Legion Park. In the summer, these spots offer a tiny bit of relief from the heat island effect you find in the Loop. In the winter? They’re wind tunnels.
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Take yesterday, January 14. We just came off a morning snow squall that absolutely wrecked the commute. O’Hare reported a quarter-mile visibility, but if you were driving down Peterson Avenue or Western, you saw how those gusts (some hitting 47 mph at nearby Midway and 43 mph at O’Hare) turned the neighborhood into a whiteout in seconds. Temperatures dropped nearly 8 degrees in 30 minutes. That’s the kind of volatility that defines this zip code.
The Next Few Days: What’s Actually Happening
If you’re planning your weekend around West Ridge or hitting up the shops on Devon, you need to watch the overnight shifts. Tonight, the sunny sky is going to quit on us.
- Tonight (Jan 15): The high of 26°F is gone. We’re looking at a low of 14°F with a 40% chance of snow overnight.
- Friday (Jan 16): It warms up to 34°F, but don’t get excited. It’s bringing snow showers with it. Humidity is going to spike to 86%, so it’ll feel damp and heavy.
- The Weekend: Saturday stays cold with a high of 20°F and more snow showers. By Sunday, we’re looking at a high of only 18°F and a low of 0°F.
Basically, the "roaring start" to the 2025-2026 winter season that the National Weather Service talked about is holding true. We've already hit snowfall totals by early December that usually take all year to accumulate.
The 60659 Cold Reality Check
What really matters for those of us in the 60659 is the "feels like" factor. When you see a high of 6°F predicted for Monday, January 19, and 22 mph winds from the west, you aren't just looking at "cold." You're looking at a situation where exposed skin can get frostbitten in under 20 minutes.
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It’s kinda fascinating how we adapt. You see people in Peterson Park still jogging, but they’re geared up like they’re summiting Everest.
Actionable Survival Tips for the Week Ahead
- Watch the "Flash Freeze": Tuesday, January 20, is showing a high of 26°F but a low of 2°F. When the temp drops that fast after light snow, the side streets in West Ridge become ice rinks.
- Humidity Matters: Friday’s 86% humidity means the cold will "seep" more. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer.
- Wind Shielding: If you’re walking near the open spaces of the parks, the west winds (peaking Monday at 22 mph) will be brutal. Stick to the east-west streets with more building cover if you're on foot.
Check the local sensors if you can. While the official "Chicago" data comes from the airports, the West Rogers Park stations (like KILCHICA51) often show a 2-3 degree difference because of our specific density and tree cover. Stay warm, keep the salt handy for the overnight snow, and don't trust a sunny January window—it's usually a trap.
Next Steps: Prepare for the overnight snow tonight by clearing your walkways before the temperature hits the 14°F low, and make sure your vehicle has an ice scraper ready for the 40% chance of snow Friday morning.