If you just looked at the thermometer and thought, "Hey, 37 degrees isn't so bad for January," I'm gonna need you to take a second and look at the nearest tree. See those branches swaying? That's the real story. Honestly, what's the weather in chicago right now is a classic case of the numbers on the screen not matching the reality on your face.
Right now, Chicago is sitting at exactly 37°F.
But here’s the kicker: with those southwest winds sustained between 10 to 20 mph, the wind chill is dragging that "real feel" down into the low 20s. We're dealing with an 80% chance of snow today. You've probably already seen the morning dusting, and while it might look like it's clearing up, those lingering snow showers are expected to hang around through the afternoon. It's that grey, "Lake Effect" vibe where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket.
Why "Dry Cold" is a Chicago Myth
People always talk about the "dry cold" of the plains, but Chicago doesn't do dry. Humidity is currently hovering around 81%. That high moisture content makes the air feel heavy. It’s the kind of cold that finds the microscopic gap between your glove and your jacket sleeve.
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Basically, the dewpoint is sitting at a relatively high 53°F for this time of year, which explains why the air feels so damp. If you're heading out to the MLK Weekend Early Bird Kickoff or hitting up Social Sip later, don't trust the sun if it manages to peek out for five minutes.
The Hour-by-Hour Reality Check
If you're planning your commute or trying to grab a quick coffee, here’s the breakdown of what to actually expect:
- This Afternoon: Light snow showers will continue. Visibility is hovering around 10 miles, but that can drop fast during a sudden burst.
- Sunset (Approx. 4:40 PM): This is when things get dicey. The temperature is going to start its nosedive.
- Tonight: We are looking at a low of 15°F. That is a massive 22-degree drop from the daytime high.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Forecasts
Most folks see "37 degrees" and leave the heavy parka in the closet. Don't do that. The barometric pressure is at 29.42 in and falling, which usually signals that more active weather is pushing in.
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The National Weather Service has already been tracking two major storm systems moving through the Central U.S. this weekend. What we're seeing right now in Chicago is just the leading edge. The wind is the real protagonist today. Gusts have been clocked up to 30 mph at Midway, and when you’re walking between skyscrapers in the Loop, those gusts feel even sharper.
Survival Tips for Today's Mess
Honestly, the best way to handle this is to forget fashion for a minute.
- The Scarf is Non-Negotiable: With 20 mph winds, your neck is basically a heat sink.
- Watch the Pavement: That "warm" 37 degrees is melting the morning snow, but as we hit that 15-degree low tonight, every puddle is going to turn into a skating rink.
- Check the Sky: If the clouds start looking extra "bruised" and dark, a snow squall might be moving in. These are short but can white out a street in seconds.
The weather in Chicago right now is essentially a transition phase. We’re moving from "tolerable winter day" into "bitterly cold night." Tomorrow isn't looking much friendlier, with a projected high of only 19°F.
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If you're out and about, keep an eye on the wind direction. That SW wind is pushing the chill right off the land, but as it shifts, the lake will start playing a bigger role in the moisture levels. It’s a typical January grind in the Windy City. Stay warm, keep your hood up, and maybe grab an extra large coffee—you're gonna need the hand warmer.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure: Sudden temperature drops from 37°F to 15°F will trigger your "low air" light.
- Salt your walkway now: Do it before the sunset freeze turns the slush into solid ice.
- Layer up for the evening: If you're staying out past 5:00 PM, dress for 15 degrees, not 37.