If you’re living in or around Gurnee, you already know the drill: the weather here has a mind of its own, especially in the dead of January. One minute you're thinking about a quick run to Gurnee Mills, and the next, the sky decides to dump a dusting of white on Grand Avenue.
Friday, January 16, 2026, is shaping up to be one of those classic Lake County days. It's not a blizzard. It's not a polar vortex. But the weather in Gurnee tomorrow is definitely going to require a decent pair of boots and a bit of patience on the road.
The Cold Hard Numbers for Friday
Let’s get straight to the point. The high is hitting 35°F. Honestly, for January in Northern Illinois, that’s almost generous. We’ve all seen it much worse. However, the low is dropping down to 18°F at night, so that slush from the afternoon? Yeah, it’s going to freeze solid.
The wind is coming in from the southwest at 13 mph. It’s enough to make that 35°F feel more like the mid-20s when you're walking across a parking lot. Humidity is sitting high at 79%, which usually means the air feels heavy and the snow showers might feel a bit more "damp" than fluffy.
Snow Showers and Your Commute
We’re looking at snow showers during the day. The chance of precipitation is locked in at 35%.
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Now, 35% might sound low to some, but in Gurnee, that usually manifests as those annoying, intermittent bursts that make the visibility go south right when you’re trying to merge onto I-94. It’s the kind of weather that makes the roads look deceptively "just wet" until you hit a patch of black ice near the Des Plaines River.
The day-time condition is officially listed as snow showers, transitioning into a mostly cloudy night. Even if the sun tries to peek through, the UV index is a flat 1. Basically, don't expect to see much of the blue stuff tomorrow.
Practical Realities of 35°F
When the temperature hovers right around the freezing mark, things get messy. It’s the "slush zone."
If you're heading out to the Great Wolf Lodge or just doing a grocery run, keep in mind that the southwest wind will be pushing against you. 13 mph isn't a gale, but it’s consistent. It’ll move that light snow around.
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The humidity at 79% is the real kicker here. High humidity in winter makes the cold "sink" into your clothes more. You'll want a layer that breaks the wind but also handles a bit of moisture.
What to Actually Wear
- Waterproof footwear: This isn't the day for canvas sneakers. Between the 35% chance of snow and the existing salt on the roads, your shoes will get trashed.
- The "Mid-Weight" Coat: You probably don't need the heavy-duty parka meant for -20°F, but a solid puffer or a wool coat with a scarf will be the sweet spot.
- Gloves with grip: If you’re clearing your windshield, that 35°F snow is going to be heavy and wet.
Nighttime Shift: 18°F and Mostly Cloudy
By the time the sun goes down—which, let's be real, feels like 4:00 PM these days—the "mostly cloudy" tag takes over. The chance of snow stays at 35% through the night.
The drop to 18°F is significant. Any moisture on the sidewalks or secondary roads from the daytime "warmth" will turn into a skating rink. If you have plans Friday night near Six Flags or any of the restaurants along Washington Street, give yourself an extra ten minutes.
A Note on the Gurnee Microclimate
Being so close to the lake, but not on the lake, Gurnee gets some weird variations. Sometimes we miss the lake effect entirely, and sometimes we get the tail end of it while Libertyville stays dry. For tomorrow, the southwest wind usually means we aren't getting that heavy lake-effect dump, but it does mean the air is coming across the plains, keeping those temperatures fairly stable but brisk.
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It's a typical January Friday. It’s gray, it’s a bit snowy, and it’s chilly. But it's manageable.
Next Steps for Gurnee Residents:
Check your wiper fluid levels tonight. With a 35% chance of snow showers and 13 mph winds, you’ll be dealing with plenty of salt spray on your windshield tomorrow. If you're planning on morning errands, aim for the window between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the temp is closest to that 35°F peak to avoid the worst of the overnight ice. Keep an eye on the local radar if you're heading toward Waukegan or north toward the border, as those snow showers can tighten up into bands pretty quickly.