You’ve probably heard the joke that if you don’t like the weather in Chicagoland, just wait five minutes. In Elmhurst, that isn’t just a punchline; it’s a lifestyle requirement. Right now, as we move through January 2026, the weather forecast Elmhurst IL is proving exactly why "average" is a dangerous word to use when planning your week in DuPage County.
We are currently coming off a wild week where a low-pressure system dumped record-breaking rain on the area. On January 8th, O’Hare (practically our neighbor) saw 1.92 inches of rain. That broke a record from 1935. Think about that. We had flash flooding in January. Now, the atmosphere is shifting gears, and the "January Thaw" is officially over.
The Immediate Outlook: A Brutal Reality Check
If you enjoyed the 50-degree highs we saw earlier today, Tuesday, January 13, I have some bad news. It was a nice break. Kinda felt like spring, right? Well, the "Arctic Revenge" is coming. Tonight, those temperatures are going to crater.
We’re looking at a low around 26°F. That’s a 24-degree drop in a matter of hours. By Wednesday morning, the wind is going to be the real story. We are expecting northwest winds at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts potentially hitting 40 mph. If you’re commuting down North Avenue or York Road, you’re going to feel every bit of that.
Snow is Creeping Back In
It’s not just the cold. We’ve got scattered snow showers and flurries in the cards for late tonight and through Wednesday. It won't be a blizzard, but with the wind, visibility will suck.
Then there is the "big one" on the horizon. Most weather models, including the latest from the National Weather Service in Romeoville, are eyeing a clipper system for late Thursday into Friday. We are looking at a legit 1 to 3 inches of snow.
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Why the Weather Forecast Elmhurst IL is Unique
Elmhurst sits in a weird spot geographically. We aren't close enough to the lake to get the full "lake effect" snow most of the time, but we aren't far enough west to escape the wind-whipped prairie storms. We’re in the transition zone.
Honestly, people get the "lake effect" thing wrong all the time. They think it means it's always snowing. Actually, Lake Michigan often keeps Elmhurst a couple of degrees warmer in the early winter because the water hasn't frozen yet. But once that wind shifts to the north or northeast? Game over. You’re shoveling every two hours.
January Statistics vs. 2026 Reality
Normally, January in Elmhurst is the driest month of the year. Historically, we only get about 1.75 inches of precipitation. We basically blew past that in one day last week.
- Average High: 31°F
- Average Low: 18°F
- Record High (Jan 2026): 60°F (Hit on Jan 9th)
- Coming Low (Jan 19th): 0°F
See that spread? That is a 60-degree variance in ten days. Your car's tire pressure sensor is probably going to have a meltdown.
The Frigid Weekend Ahead
If you have plans at the Elmhurst Public Library or were thinking of hitting the Illinois Prairie Path this weekend, dress like you’re going to the Yukon.
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Saturday's high is only 22°F. Sunday? 19°F. But Monday, January 19th, is looking like the winner for "Most Miserable Day of 2026." We are forecasting a high of 13°F and a low of 0°F. When you add in the wind chill, it’s going to feel like -15°F or worse.
This isn't just "stay inside" weather; this is "don't leave any exposed skin" weather. Frostbite can happen in 30 minutes at those temperatures.
Practical Steps for Elmhurst Residents
Knowing the weather forecast Elmhurst IL is one thing, but dealing with it is another. Since we’re about to go from a rainy flood-watch to a deep freeze, you need to act now.
Check your sump pump. Seriously. All that rain from last week is still in the ground. If your discharge pipe freezes over because of the upcoming sub-zero temps, that water has nowhere to go but back into your basement. Clear the area around the exit pipe today while it's still relatively "warm."
Reverse your ceiling fans. Most people forget this. If you run them clockwise on low, they’ll push the warm air that’s trapped at the ceiling back down to your living space. It saves about 10% on your heating bill, which you’ll appreciate when the gas bill arrives in February.
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Pet safety is huge right now. The salt used on Elmhurst streets and sidewalks can be brutal on paws. If you’re walking your dog near the Metra station or through Wilder Park, wipe their paws immediately when you get home. Or better yet, get them those tiny boots. They look ridiculous, but they work.
Stock the car. Don't wait for Friday's snow. Make sure you have a real ice scraper, a blanket, and maybe some jumper cables. Battery failures are the #1 service call in Elmhurst when the temp hits zero.
The bottom line is that the mild start to January was a fluke. The rest of the month is going to be a battle of attrition against the wind and the cold. Stay updated by checking the KORD (O'Hare) station data frequently, as that's the most accurate sensor for our specific neck of the woods.
Prepare for the snow on Friday, but brace for the bitter, bone-chilling cold that follows on Sunday and Monday. It’s going to be a long week.