Honestly, if you're standing on Michigan Avenue right now, you already know the answer. It’s cold. Like, really cold.
The actual temperature in Chicago at this moment is 18°F, but that number is a total lie. Because of the 16 mph wind coming straight out of the west, the feels-like temperature is a brutal 3°F.
Basically, if you aren't wearing wool socks and a parka that reaches your knees, you're doing it wrong.
Breaking Down what is the weather in chicago now
Right now, the sky is mostly cloudy, and the air feels heavy. We’ve got about 54% humidity, which isn't high enough to feel damp, but it's enough to make the cold stick to your skin. The UV index is sitting at 0, so don't worry about sunscreen; you'll be lucky to see a sliver of sun before the day is over.
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The Wind and the "Real Feel"
Chicago didn't get the "Windy City" nickname from the lake—it’s mostly political history—but today, the wind is living up to the legend.
- Current Wind Speed: 16 mph
- Direction: West
- Gusts: Up to 28 mph have been clocked at Midway recently.
That 15-degree difference between the thermometer and your skin is all thanks to that western breeze. It’s the kind of air that makes your eyes water the second you step out of a revolving door.
What’s Coming for the Rest of Saturday?
If you were hoping for a warmup, I've got bad news. The high for today is staying right where we are at 18°F.
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Later this afternoon and into the evening, we’re looking at light snow. The chance of precipitation is around 20%, so it's not going to be a blizzard, but it’ll be enough to make the sidewalks slick. The National Weather Service is calling this a "clipper system." It’s a fast-moving bit of energy that drops an inch or so of "light and fluffy" snow.
Tonight, the low will drop to 13°F. The wind will shift slightly to the southwest, but it's going to stay breezy at 18 mph.
The Arctic Hammer Drops Monday
While today is chilly, it’s actually the "mild" part of the weekend. There is a massive blast of arctic air sitting in the wings.
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By Monday morning (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), we are looking at wind chills that could dive between -15°F and -25°F. That is the kind of cold where frostbite can happen in 30 minutes or less on exposed skin. If you have plans to be outside, you might want to rethink them or invest in some serious thermal layers.
Quick Snapshot for the Weekend:
- Sunday: Another round of light snow, maybe 1-2 inches. Highs near 20°F.
- Monday: The "Deep Freeze." Blustery and dangerously cold.
- Tuesday: Still bitter, mostly cloudy, highs barely hitting the double digits.
What Most People Get Wrong About Chicago Winters
A lot of visitors think it’s the snow that kills your vibe. Kinda. But really, it’s the "flash freeze" events. Just a few days ago, on January 14, Chicago saw a snow squall that dropped visibility to near zero and crashed temperatures by 8 degrees in just half an hour.
We also had a weirdly warm spike on January 8th where it hit 60°F and rained nearly two inches. That broke a record from 1935. But that’s Chicago for you—60 degrees one week, and a -20 wind chill the next.
Practical Survival Steps
If you're out and about in this 18°F weather, here’s the game plan:
- The Base Layer is King: Don't just throw on a big coat. Wear a tight-fitting thermal or "HeatTech" shirt underneath. It traps the body heat that the wind is trying to steal.
- Cover the Extremities: A trapper hat is better than a beanie because it covers your ears and cheeks.
- Check the Rivers: The NWS is actually warning about ice jams on area streams because of how fast it’s getting cold. If you live near water, keep an eye out for localized flooding.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for five minutes, it’s too cold for your dog’s paws. Keep the walks short today.
Stay warm out there. The lakefront is beautiful when it's frozen, but it's much better viewed through a window with a hot coffee in your hand.