If you woke up today in Chicago and didn't immediately check the window to see if the world ended in a snowdrift, you're probably new here. Honestly, the city is in that weird mid-January rhythm where the sky looks like a flat grey sheet of construction paper, but surprisingly, the sun is actually making an appearance today. What's the weather today in Chicago is basically a question of how many layers you can fit under a North Face without looking like a marshmallow.
Right now, it’s a crisp 23°F. That sounds manageable until you realize the "feels like" is sitting at a much meaner 13°F. We have a southwest wind moving at about 9 mph, which is just enough to cut through a light jacket but not enough to justify a full-on blizzard survival kit yet. Humidity is low at 51%, so it's that dry, biting cold that makes your knuckles crack if you forget your lotion.
Surviving the 26-Degree "Heat" Wave
We are looking at a high of 26°F today. In July, that would be a catastrophe. In January in Chicago, that’s practically patio weather for the bravest souls at the local dive bar. It’s staying sunny through the afternoon, which is a nice break from the literal snow squall that tried to swallow the city yesterday morning. If you missed that, count yourself lucky. Yesterday saw visibility drop to essentially zero feet at O'Hare with gusts hitting 43 mph. Today is a much-needed deep breath.
But don't get comfortable.
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By tonight, things shift. The low is dropping to 16°F, and the clouds are moving back in. There’s a 43% chance of snow after the sun goes down. It's not a "get the shovel and call your chiropractor" kind of snow, but enough to make the sidewalks slick by the Friday morning commute. We’re expecting about 1 to 2 inches of accumulation overnight.
Why the Lake is Ruining Everything (and Helping)
The lake is basically a giant heater that occasionally throws ice at us. Because the water is still relatively warm compared to the Arctic air, it creates that classic lake-effect band. While Chicago proper is seeing sun, our neighbors in Porter County and Northwest Indiana are currently under a Winter Storm Warning. They're getting hammered with snow rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour. If you have to drive toward Gary or Valparaiso today, maybe just... don't.
- Visibility: Great in the city, terrible to the east.
- Wind: Switching to the West tonight at 14 mph.
- Vibe: "I should have moved to Phoenix" mixed with "at least it's not -20."
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
People think the "Windy City" nickname is about the weather. It’s actually about 19th-century politicians being full of hot air, but the weather certainly tries to live up to the name. Today's southwest wind is actually what's keeping us in the 20s. The moment that wind flips to the north, we’re in trouble.
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We’re currently in a weird "mild" pocket. If you look at the long-term trends for January 2026, we’ve actually had a roaring start to the snow season. By early December, Chicago had already hit 17.1 inches of snow, which is basically what we usually get in an entire winter. We are living through one of the snowiest starts since 1978.
What to Actually Wear Today
- The Base: Merino wool if you’ve got it. Polyester if you don't.
- The Middle: A hoodie. Standard Chicago uniform.
- The Shell: Something windproof. A southwest wind at 9 mph feels fine until you're standing on an elevated platform waiting for a train that's "6 minutes away" for twenty minutes.
- Footwear: Boots with grip. That 43% chance of evening snow means the 26-degree high will melt the current frost, and the 16-degree low will turn it into a skating rink.
Honestly, the real danger today isn't the cold; it's the complacency. You see the sun and think, "I can leave my gloves in the car." You can't. You will regret it by 6:00 PM when the snow starts falling and the temperature craters.
Looking Ahead: The Arctic Front is Looming
Enjoy the sunny 23°F while it lasts. The forecast is showing a brief "milder" period Friday—milder being a relative term in Illinois—before a massive Arctic front decides to move in. Next week is looking like a gauntlet of bitter cold and periodic snow.
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Basically, today is your window to run errands, get the car washed (though it'll be salty again by tomorrow), and remember what the sun looks like. The humidity will jump to 58% tonight, which makes the cold feel "wetter" and more bone-chilling.
What's the weather today in Chicago is a story of two halves: a bright, brisk afternoon followed by a slippery, snowy night. If you're staying in the city, you're fine. If you're heading to Indiana, Godspeed.
Check your salt supply tonight before the 16°F low hits. Make sure your tires aren't low because the pressure drop will definitely trigger that annoying dashboard light. Walk like a penguin on the side streets—short steps, center of gravity over your front leg. You don't want to be the person who slips in front of a CTA bus. It's embarrassing. And it hurts.