If you’ve lived in Chicago for more than a week, you know the drill. You look at the app, see a "high" of 26°F, and think, okay, I can handle that. Then you step outside and the wind off Lake Michigan hits you like a physical wall. Honestly, it’s not just the cold; it’s the way the city handles it.
Weather for Thursday in Chicago is looking like a classic mid-January reality check. After a weirdly mild start to the month—remember that record-shattering 60°F on January 9th?—we are officially back in the freezer.
The Numbers You Actually Need to Know
Tomorrow, January 15, 2026, isn't going to be a blizzard. It won't be a polar vortex. But it’s going to be "Chicago cold."
The high is hovering around 26°F. That sounds manageable, right?
Basically, no.
The low is dipping to 16°F. But here is the thing people forget: the wind. We are looking at sustained west winds around 15 mph. In the canyons of the Loop, that wind accelerates. It whips around the Willis Tower and cuts through denim like it’s not even there.
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The "RealFeel" or wind chill is likely to stay in the low teens or single digits all day. If you’re waiting for the ‘L’ on an exposed platform, 26°F is a lie. It's going to feel significantly colder.
Precipitation: Will it Snow?
There is a 10% chance of snow during the day. Don't cancel your plans. You might see some "diamond dust" or a few stray flakes, but nothing that requires a shovel before work.
The night is a different story.
The chance of snow showers jumps to 35% after dark. We aren't talking about a major accumulation—likely under an inch—but it’s enough to make the Kennedy Expressway slick for the tail end of the commute.
Sky Conditions
Expect a thick blanket of clouds. Chicago in January is notoriously gray. In fact, the National Weather Service notes that we usually have about 58% cloud cover this time of year. Thursday will likely be 100% overcast.
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It's that flat, white sky that makes the city look like a black-and-white movie.
Why This Thursday Feels Worse Than Usual
We just came off a period of unseasonable warmth. When you have a 60-degree day in January, your body "forgets" how to handle the 20s.
It’s a physiological trap.
Also, the humidity is sitting at 48%. That’s relatively dry for us, which means the air is going to feel "sharp." It’s the kind of weather that chaps your lips in twenty minutes.
Survival Tactics for the Windy City
If you're heading out, layers aren't just a suggestion; they're a requirement.
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A heavy wool coat is great, but a windproof shell is better. Chicago weather is about stopping the air from moving against your skin.
- The Footwear Factor: The ground is cold. Heat escapes through your feet. Wear thick socks, preferably wool.
- The Commute: Expect the CTA to be crowded. Everyone who usually walks three blocks is going to be cramming onto the bus to avoid the wind.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a light jacket for ten minutes, it's too cold for your dog's paws. Short walks only.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Dive
If you think Thursday is bad, brace yourself.
By Saturday and Sunday, temperatures are projected to tank even further. We are looking at highs of 18°F and lows crashing toward 5°F by Monday morning.
This Thursday is basically the "gateway drug" to the real deep freeze.
Actionable Steps for Thursday
- Check your tires: Drastic temp drops from last week mean your tire pressure has likely plummeted. Fill 'em up today.
- Salt the walk: That 35% chance of evening snow will hit the cold pavement and freeze instantly. A little pre-salting goes a long way.
- Charge your tech: Cold batteries die faster. If you’re relying on your phone for bus tracking, keep it in an internal pocket close to your body heat.
Stay warm out there. Chicago is beautiful in the winter, but only if you're dressed for the reality of it rather than the forecast on the screen.