Honestly, if you're standing on Michigan Avenue right now, you probably don't care about the official "number." You care about how fast your face is going numb. The temperature in Chicago now is 16°F. But that's a lie.
The real story is the wind. It’s coming out of the southwest at 11 mph, which sounds gentle until you realize it’s dragging the "feels like" temperature down to a biting 3°F. This is classic Chicago. It’s that January dance where the thermometer says one thing, but the air—ripping off the lake and tunneling through the skyscrapers—says something much meaner.
Right now, it’s mostly cloudy. You might see a few stray flakes because there’s a 10% chance of snow currently, but the real mess is coming later. If you’re planning on heading out for lunch or taking the L, you’ve basically got a narrow window of "manageable" cold before things get weirder.
The Lake Effect and Why Your Phone Forecast is Wrong
Chicago weather is a temperamental beast. You can check your phone at O'Hare and see one thing, then get to the Loop and feel like you've entered a different tundra.
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The lake is still relatively "warm" compared to the arctic air sitting over the city. This creates that specific Chicago misery: lake-effect snow. While the current precipitation chance is low, the daily forecast for this Sunday, January 18, 2026, calls for a high of 21°F and a low of 8°F, with snow showers likely both day and night.
What’s happening today:
- Current Temp: 16°F
- Real Feel: 3°F
- Wind: 11 mph (Southwest)
- Humidity: 62%
- Condition: Mostly Cloudy
We're in a pattern where the "clipper" systems are moving through fast. Last week, on January 14, the city got slammed by a snow squall that dropped visibility to near zero in minutes. Today isn't that dramatic, but it’s part of a larger trend for the 2025-2026 winter season, which has been remarkably snowy. Chicago has already hit over 17 inches of snow this season, matching the entire total of last year before January was even half over.
Surviving the 3-Degree Reality
If you're new to the city, or just visiting, 16 degrees sounds survivable. It’s not.
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When the wind chill hits 3°F, your body starts losing heat at an accelerated rate. Frostbite can start on exposed skin in under 30 minutes if you aren't careful. Locals know the "Chicago Tuck"—chin down, scarf up, hands deep in pockets, and a walking pace that suggests you’re being chased by a ghost.
Honestly, the humidity is at 62% right now, which makes the air feel "heavy" and damp. It’s a bone-chilling cold rather than a crisp, dry cold. You’ve probably noticed that your phone battery is draining faster than usual, too. That’s the cold literally slowing down the chemical reactions inside your device.
Looking ahead at the week
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is going to be a test of character. The high is only 9°F. The low? 5°F.
And the wind is expected to kick up to 20 mph.
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If you think the temperature in Chicago now is rough, just wait until tomorrow morning. We’re looking at wind chills that will likely stay well below zero all day. The City of Chicago has already opened warming centers, including the Garfield Center on Kedzie and various public libraries, because this isn't "light jacket" weather. It's "stay inside if you can" weather.
Practical Moves for Right Now
Since you're likely checking the temperature because you're about to head out, here is the expert-level advice for a 3-degree wind chill day:
- Cover the Gaps: The wind finds the space between your hat and your coat. It finds your wrists. Use gaiters or scarves to seal those entry points.
- Watch the Ice: With the humidity and the 16-degree air, anything that melted yesterday has turned into a "black ice" sheet. Bridges and overpasses are the worst.
- Check the CTA: Snow showers are expected later today (25% chance). Even a little dusting can cause "signal problems" or bus delays. Check the Ventra app before you leave the house.
- Hydrate: You don't feel thirsty when it's this cold, but the air is incredibly dry. Your skin and lungs will thank you for the extra water.
The temperature in Chicago now is a reminder that winter in the Midwest is a marathon, not a sprint. We’re currently in the thick of the coldest stretch of the year. While we’ll see a slight "warm-up" toward 30°F by Wednesday, it comes with a 35% chance of light snow.
Basically, keep the boots by the door. You’re going to need them for the foreseeable future.
If you're driving, make sure your washer fluid is the winter-rated stuff. The cheap blue water will freeze instantly on your windshield at 16°F, leaving you blind in the middle of Lake Shore Drive. Not a fun Saturday. Stay warm, stay dry, and maybe order in tonight.