So, you've got plans in the city this weekend. Maybe it’s a late brunch in Wicker Park or you’re one of the brave souls heading to Soldier Field for the Bears-Rams playoff game. Either way, the weather for sunday chicago is shaping up to be a classic "welcome to January" reality check that’s going to require more than just a light fashionable overcoat.
Honestly, we’ve been a bit spoiled lately. Remember that weirdly balmy stretch earlier this month? We hit 60 degrees on January 9th, which basically felt like a fever dream. But the atmosphere is done playing nice. Sunday, January 18, 2026, is looking like the day the deep freeze truly sets up shop in Cook County.
The Raw Numbers: What to Actually Expect
If you’re checking your phone app, you’ll see a high of about 18°F or 19°F. Sounds manageable, right? Kinda. But here’s the thing about Chicago in the winter: the "high" usually happens for about twenty minutes in the early afternoon, and the rest of the day is a slow slide into the single digits.
By the time the sun starts setting—which is around 4:48 PM, by the way—we’re looking at temperatures hovering near 15°F. If you’re staying out for the game or a late dinner, the overnight low is plummeting down to 5°F.
And then there's the wind.
We’re expecting southwest winds at about 15 to 17 mph, with some gusts potentially hitting 25 mph. In Chicago-speak, that means the "Feels Like" temperature is going to be a whole different story. When you factor in the Lake Michigan breeze, that 18-degree high is actually going to feel closer to 2°F. If you’re standing on a platform waiting for the ‘L,’ it’s going to be brutal.
Precipitation: Is the Snow Staying or Going?
Nobody likes a slushy Sunday. The current outlook suggests we might see some light snow late in the day, but it’s not looking like a "dig out your car" kind of event. We’re looking at maybe a 20% to 40% chance of flurries.
Most of the heavier lake-effect stuff is predicted to stay east, hitting Porter County and northwest Indiana harder than the Loop. However, "clipper" systems are notoriously moody. Even a light dusting on top of freezing pavement can make the Kennedy Expressway a skating rink, so keep that in mind if you're driving in from the suburbs.
Why This Sunday Matters More Than Usual
This isn't just a random January day. The National Weather Service is tracking a broader shift in the 2026 winter pattern. We’re moving out of that weirdly mild "La Niña-neutral" phase and back into the refrigerated air we’re used to.
For the sports fans, the Bears vs. Rams game at 5:30 PM is the big variable. Soldier Field is basically a wind tunnel. If you're sitting in the stands, you aren't just dealing with 18 degrees; you're dealing with stagnant cold and damp air coming off the water. It's the kind of cold that gets into your bones through your shoes.
Surviving the Sunday Chill: Expert Advice
Don't be that person who wears sneakers. Seriously. The ground temperature is significantly colder than the air, and heat loss through your feet is a real thing.
- Footwear is everything. Wear boots with a thick rubber sole. It acts as a thermal break between you and the frozen concrete.
- The Three-Layer Rule. Start with a moisture-wicking base (no cotton!), add a fleece or wool mid-layer for insulation, and finish with a windproof shell.
- Watch the humidity. It’s hovering around 62%, which is high enough to make the air feel "heavy." Damp cold is always worse than dry cold because it saps heat from your body faster.
The clouds are going to be pretty stubborn too. We’re looking at an overcast day with very little vitamin D to go around. It’s a grey, gritty, quintessential Chicago Sunday.
Actionable Steps for Your Sunday
If you're heading out, here is how to handle the weather for sunday chicago like a pro:
📖 Related: Ranger Cookies Joanna Gaines: What Most People Get Wrong
- Check the CTA tracker before leaving. Standing on an outdoor Blue Line or Brown Line platform for 15 minutes in a 2-degree wind chill is an easy way to ruin your mood.
- Winterize your vehicle's emergency kit. If you’re driving, make sure you have an actual ice scraper and maybe a blanket in the trunk. That late-day light snow can cause sudden "micro-jams" on the I-90.
- Hydrate. People forget to drink water when it’s cold, but the dry heater air in buildings and the biting wind outside can dehydrate you faster than a summer day.
- Protect your tech. Lithium-ion batteries in phones absolutely hate 15-degree weather. If you’re at the game, keep your phone in an internal pocket close to your body heat, or it’ll go from 60% to dead in ten minutes.
The most important thing to remember is that this is the start of a cold snap. Monday is projected to be even colder, with lows reaching -15°F wind chill. Consider Sunday your "warm-up" for the real winter. Bundle up, watch your step on the black ice, and maybe grab an extra-large coffee to keep your hands warm.