It is 15°F in Woodstock right now. If you're looking out the window near the Square, you've probably noticed that "light showers snow" vibe that has been hanging around most of the afternoon. But honestly, the 15-degree number on your phone is a bit of a lie. With a west wind kicking at 13 mph, the real "feels like" temperature is sitting at a brutal 1°F.
If you’re planning the rest of your Saturday, January 17, 2026, don't expect a sudden warm-up. This is peak January in McHenry County. We’re currently in the middle of a "daytime" stretch where the UV index is a flat zero, and the humidity is hanging heavy at 76%.
Basically, it's that damp, biting cold that finds every gap in your coat.
Weather Woodstock IL Hourly: The Next Few Hours
The transition from late afternoon into evening is going to stay messy. We’ve seen a 20% chance of snow through the last hour, and according to the latest local data, that’s going to nudge up slightly.
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Late Afternoon into Evening
By sunset—which hits at 4:49 PM today—the light snow showers are expected to continue. The high for the day has already peaked at 15°F. As we move into the night, we’re looking at a low of 7°F.
- 4:00 PM: Temperatures will hold steady around 15°F. Expect the snow showers to be most active right about now.
- 6:00 PM: Wind speeds might jump a bit. We’re looking at a steady 15 mph coming out of the west.
- 8:00 PM: The "feels like" temp is going to drop deep into the negatives. If you're heading to a late dinner, park close.
The clouds aren't going anywhere. While the snow chance is only 25%, the overcast sky is pretty much a lock for the rest of the night.
Why the Wind in Woodstock Hits Differently
You've probably noticed that Woodstock often feels five degrees colder than the official reading at O'Hare. There’s a reason for that. Our elevation—sitting at 931 feet—combined with the open geography of northern Illinois allows those west winds to gather speed before hitting the city limits.
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Today’s 15 mph wind isn't just a breeze; it's the primary factor in why you need more than just a light jacket. When the humidity is 78% (as forecasted for this evening), the air holds onto that cold. It’s a "wet cold," which is much harder to shake off than the dry arctic air we sometimes get in February.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Forecasts
A lot of people see "25% chance of snow" and assume it won't happen. In Woodstock, that usually means a constant dusting. It's rarely enough to require the heavy-duty snowblower, but it's exactly enough to make the brick roads around the Square incredibly slick.
The low tonight is 7°F. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, looks like a mirror image of today. We're expecting another high of 15°F with afternoon snow showers. If you're planning on doing anything outdoors, Sunday morning will be your clearest window before the clouds thicken back up after noon.
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Practical Steps for the Next 24 Hours
Honestly, just stay ahead of the ice. Since the temperature is staying well below freezing, any of that "light shower snow" that melts on a warm car or treated surface is going to refreeze instantly as the sun goes down.
- Check your tire pressure. This kind of drop—from the low 30s we saw a few days ago down to 7°F tonight—will trigger your TPMS light.
- Limit pet time outside. At 1°F wind chill, paws can get frostbit faster than you'd think.
- Watch the west-facing windows. With the wind coming directly from the west at 15 mph, this is the night to make sure your draft blockers are in place.
The weather in Woodstock is staying consistent for the next 48 hours: cold, cloudy, and snowy. Keep the salt handy and maybe grab an extra bag of coffee. You're going to want to stay inside.