You’ve heard the jokes. Chicago has two seasons: winter and construction. But honestly, if you’re looking at the sky today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the joke is on anyone who didn't bring an extra set of thermals.
Chicago weather isn't just a mood; it’s a full-blown personality. Right now, it’s mostly cloudy with a temperature of 35°F, but that’s a total lie. Because of a 10 mph wind kicking in from the southwest, it actually feels like 27°F. That’s the "Windy City" tax for you. You step outside thinking it’s manageable, and then the lake breeze hits your face like a frozen wet towel.
The immediate what is the weather forecast for chicago situation
If you’re planning to run errands or catch a flight at O’Hare, keep your eyes on the radar. There is a 70% chance of snow during the day today. We’re looking at a high of 35°F, but once the sun starts to dip, things get dicey. The temperature is expected to plummet to a low of 20°F tonight.
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Visibility is already a bit hit-or-miss. Earlier today, some spots were seeing under a mile of visibility.
Basically, the city is stuck in a "clipper" pattern. These fast-moving systems are coming off the Great Lakes, dropping a dusting here and an inch there. It’s not a blizzard—not yet—but it’s enough to make the Kennedy Expressway a nightmare. The southwest wind is currently sustained at about 12 mph, but those gusts are what really get you when you’re walking between skyscrapers downtown.
Why this weekend is a different beast
People often ask about the "what is the weather forecast for chicago" for the next few days because of the big game. The Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field this Sunday, January 18. If you’re a Rams fan flying in from sunny SoCal, you are in for a massive reality check.
While today is a "warm" 35°F, Sunday is going to be brutal. Forecasters are calling for temperatures in the teens during the game.
- Saturday: High of 24°F, with more snow likely.
- Sunday Night: The bottom falls out. We’re talking a low of 0°F or even lower.
- Monday (MLK Day): Highs might struggle to reach 10°F.
The National Weather Service is already warning about sub-zero wind chills. When the wind coming off Lake Michigan mixes with that arctic air, it’s going to feel like -15°F to -20°F by Monday morning. That is "skin-freezes-in-thirty-minutes" kind of cold.
Surviving the Soldier Field chill
If you’re heading to the stadium, forget looking cute. It’s all about the loft. You need a base layer that wicks moisture—nothing ruins a day like damp cotton against your skin in 15-degree weather. Then, a heavy wool or fleece mid-layer, followed by a windproof shell. Honestly, the wind at Soldier Field is legendary for a reason. It swirls. It bites. It’s basically the 12th man on the defense.
The January reality check
January in Chicago is statistically the grimmest month. We usually get about 12 inches of snow across the whole month, and we’re right on track for that. Humidity is hanging high at 81% to 84%, which makes the air feel heavy and "wet," even when it's freezing.
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Is it all bad? Kinda. But there's a specific beauty to the lakefront when the ice starts to pile up into those weird, jagged "ice volcanoes." Just don't go walking on them. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) is already telling people to be vigilant.
Actionable steps for the next 48 hours
If you live here or you're just visiting, do these three things right now. First, check your car’s tire pressure; these 15-degree drops make your "low pressure" light pop on instantly. Second, if you're a homeowner, keep your cabinet doors open under the sinks tonight—frozen pipes are a real threat when we hit that 20°F low. Finally, download the Notify Chicago app or text CHILAKE to 7-8-0-1-5 if you’re planning to be near the water.
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The what is the weather forecast for chicago shows snow tapering off tonight, but the real story is the deep freeze settling in for the long weekend. Bundle up, grab a heavy coat, and maybe stay inside with a bowl of chili. You’ve been warned.