Honestly, if you live around here, you know the drill. You check the window, then the app, then you probably grab a hoodie and a heavy coat just in case. Weather in Chicago Heights IL isn’t just a forecast; it’s a lifestyle choice that involves a lot of layers and a healthy respect for the lake.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are staring down the barrel of a classic Illinois winter day. It’s about 20°F outside, but with that southwest wind kicking up at 11 mph, it feels more like 8°F. Cloud cover is heavy, and there’s a small 10% chance of snow right now, though that's expected to jump to 20% later today. If you're heading out, maybe to grab some food on Dixie Highway or hitting the shops, just know the mercury is bottoming out tonight at a bone-chilling 4°F.
The "Deep Freeze" Reality
January is historically the month that tests your spirit. The average high is usually around 32°F, but we rarely stay in that "comfortable" zone for long. This year is proving that point. We've seen years where the thermometer hit -27°F (back in 1985), and while we aren't there today, the 63% humidity makes this 20-degree weather feel like it's biting right through your jeans.
📖 Related: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
Snow is the other big player. Tonight, the chance of snow showers climbs to 35%. It's not a blizzard—nothing like the infamous Groundhog Day storm of 2011 that dumped two feet on the region—but it’s enough to make the side streets slick.
Why the Seasons Here Feel Like a Rollercoaster
Chicago Heights sits in that "Humid Continental" sweet spot. Basically, it means we get the full four-season experience, sometimes all in the same week.
👉 See also: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
- Spring: It’s a battle. April is actually our wettest month, with a 42% chance of rain on any given day. You get these beautiful 60-degree days followed immediately by a frost that kills your newly planted marigolds.
- Summer: July is the heavy hitter. Highs average 84°F, but the humidity can make it feel like you’re walking through warm soup. We’ve seen records hit 105°F in the past.
- Fall: Probably the only time the weather behaves. September highs of 77°F are the local favorite, though the wind starts picking up its pace toward the end of the month.
Dealing with the Extremes
People think it’s just the cold, but the wind is the real "Heights" factor. We average about 17-18 mph winds in the winter. It’s that steady pressure coming across the flat plains that makes the "feels like" temperature so much lower than the actual number on the sign at the bank.
If you're looking at the long-range outlook for 2026, the Old Farmer’s Almanac and local climate data suggest a slightly milder February, but we aren't out of the woods yet. We still have to get through the "ice jam" season where the local rivers get cranky.
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re living through this January 18th chill, keep the pipes dripping if your insulation is questionable. With a low of 4°F tonight, it’s that specific kind of cold that finds the weak spots in a house.
Next Steps for Staying Prepared:
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps like this 20-degree drop will trigger your TPMS light faster than you can find a gas station with a working air pump.
- Layering is key: Don’t just wear one big coat. Go with a base layer, a fleece, and then the windbreaker or parka to trap the heat.
- Watch the evening commute: With snow chances rising to 35% tonight and southwest winds at 12 mph, visibility on I-80 or I-57 can get dicey fast with blowing flurries.
Stay warm out there. It’s Chicago Heights; if you don’t like the weather now, just wait twenty minutes.