If you’ve been living in Chicago for more than five minutes, you know the lakefront doesn't care about your plans. Last week we were dealing with bizarre 60-degree records and flash flooding, and now? Honestly, the city is about to do a total 180. We’re looking at a stretch of weather next week Chicago residents will probably describe as "the usual misery," but with some genuinely dangerous twists.
The warmth from earlier this month is officially dead.
The National Weather Service is tracking a massive trough digging into the Midwest, and it's bringing some serious Arctic air with it. If you were hoping for a mild MLK Day, I’ve got some bad news for your morning commute.
Monday and the Big Deep Freeze
Monday, January 19, is basically the start of a deep dive into the freezer. We're looking at a high of just 9°F. That’s not a typo. When you add in those west winds hitting around 20 mph, the wind chill is going to be well below zero. It’s that kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze the second you step out of the house.
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Cloud cover will be sticking around for most of the day, and while the chance of snow is low—only about 5%—the real story is the cold. Monday night gets even sketchier as the low drops to 5°F. If you’re heading out for any MLK Day events, you’ve gotta layer up like you're heading to the South Pole.
Why the Wind Chill Matters More Than the Temp
In Chicago, the "feels like" temperature is the only one that actually matters. Because we’re sitting right on the edge of Lake Michigan, that wind slices through standard wool coats like they’re made of paper. The City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is already putting out warnings because hypothermia can set in way faster than people realize when the mercury stays in the single digits.
The Snow Starts Creeping Back
By Tuesday, January 20, the temperature "climbs" to 26°F, which sounds almost tropical compared to Monday, but don't let it fool you. The humidity is hanging around 58%, and by Tuesday night, we’re looking at a 25% chance of snow showers.
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Wednesday is when things get interesting. We’re expecting light snow throughout the day with a high of 29°F. The chance of precipitation jumps to 35% during the day. It’s not necessarily a blizzard, but it’s that annoying, steady light snow that turns the Dan Ryan and the Kennedy into a giant parking lot.
- Monday: High 9°F, Low 5°F (Clear/Partly Sunny)
- Tuesday: High 26°F, Low 9°F (Cloudy to Snow Showers)
- Wednesday: High 29°F, Low 14°F (Light Snow)
The wind on Wednesday will be coming from the west at 13 mph. It’s a blustery, gray mess that is peak Chicago January.
Late Week Outlook: More Flurries and Sub-Zero Fears
By Thursday, January 22, the temp drops back down to a high of 19°F. The clouds aren't going anywhere. We’ve got a 35% chance of snow showers again on Thursday night.
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Friday sees a little bit of a bump back to 25°F, but the weekend forecast looks kinda rough. Saturday and Sunday (January 24-25) are both showing consistent snow showers with highs starting at 13°F on Saturday and plummeting to a measly 5°F by Sunday.
Basically, the weather next week Chicago is going to be a test of endurance. We’re seeing a pattern of "clipper" systems—fast-moving storms that drop a few inches of snow and then pull in even colder air behind them.
Survival Steps for the Next 7 Days
Since the OEMC is already on high alert, you should be too. Check your car battery now; those single-digit mornings on Monday and Tuesday are prime time for dead engines.
If you have to be outside, forget fashion. You need a base layer that wicks moisture, a middle insulating layer, and a windproof outer shell. And seriously, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly ones who might be struggling with the heating bills or getting out for groceries.
Stay inside if you can, keep the pets indoors, and keep an eye on the lakefront alerts—those northwesterly winds can kick up some nasty waves and freezing spray.
Actionable Steps for Chicagoans This Week
- Winterize the Car Now: Ensure your antifreeze is topped off and your tire pressure is holding, as the 9°F drop on Monday will cause your TPMS light to go crazy.
- Download the OEMC App: The city uses this for real-time snowplow tracking and emergency warming center locations.
- Draft Stopper Check: Use towels or draft stoppers at the base of your doors; with 20 mph winds, the heat loss in older Chicago apartments will be massive this week.