Honestly, if you looked out the window this morning and thought it looked "kinda okay," you've probably been living in the Chicago suburbs long enough to have lowered your standards. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and Naperville is currently sitting in that weird winter limbo where it’s not quite a blizzard but definitely not "let's go for a jog" weather.
Right now, the thermometer is reading a crisp 12°F. But here’s the kicker: with that west wind coming in at 12 mph, it actually feels like -2°F. That is the difference between "I need a hat" and "my face hurts." If you’re heading out to the Riverwalk or just grabbing coffee downtown, you’re basically walking into a giant freezer that someone left the door open on.
What’s Actually Happening with Weather Today Naperville IL
We’ve got some partly sunny skies for the moment, but don't let the light fool you. The humidity is hovering around 68%, making the air feel thick and heavy despite the chill. It's that classic Midwest winter humidity that just seems to seep through even the most expensive Patagonia puffer.
Looking at the rest of the day, things are going to get a bit messy. While the current precipitation chance is technically 0% for the next hour, that’s going to change. We are looking at a high of 18°F today—a real heatwave, right?—with snow showers moving in later this afternoon.
The Afternoon Forecast: Snow is Coming
Basically, the "partly sunny" vibes are a morning-only deal. By the time you're thinking about lunch, those snow showers will likely start to move in.
- Daytime Snow Chance: There’s a 20% chance of snow showers this afternoon.
- Winds: Expect them to pick up slightly to 15 mph from the west.
- Tonight: The temperature drops back down to a low of 11°F.
- Evening Snow: The probability of snow showers actually increases to 25% after dark.
Why This Saturday Feels Different
You might remember the wild weather we had about nine days ago—that rare January flash flooding that turned Naperville streets into mini-rivers. Most people are still a bit jumpy after that record-breaking rain on the 8th. The good news? This isn't that. We aren't seeing 60-degree spikes or thunderstorms today. Instead, it’s back to the "very cold" reality that January usually brings to DuPage County.
The UV index is sitting at a big fat zero, so you can leave the sunscreen at home. Honestly, you'll be lucky to see the sun at all by 3:00 PM.
Tips for Dealing with the Naperville Chill
Since it feels like -2°F out there, you've got to be smart about how you handle the day.
- The Three-Layer Rule: If you're walking the dog, wear a base layer that wicks moisture. The 68% humidity means if you sweat even a little, you'll get a deep chill the second you stop moving.
- Drive for the Slush: Those 20% snow showers might not sound like much, but on top of frozen pavement, it creates that thin, greasy layer of slush that makes the Ogden Avenue turn-offs a nightmare.
- Check Your Pets: Even with fur, that "feels like" temperature is brutal on paws. Short walks are the way to go today.
The reality of weather today Naperville IL is that it's a "stay inside and order Lou Malnati's" kind of day. The snow showers aren't expected to be a total washout, but they'll be enough to make the evening commute annoying.
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Practical Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the sky starting around 2:00 PM when the cloud cover is expected to thicken. If you have errands to run at Costco or the downtown shops, try to get them done before the sun starts to dip, as that 25% snow chance tonight is likely to bring some light accumulation and reduced visibility on the roads.