Honestly, if you’ve lived around the Northwest suburbs for more than five minutes, you know the drill. One day you’re walking through Scarsdale without a coat because it’s 60 degrees, and the next, you’re digging your car out of a snowdrift while the wind tries to take your face off. This January has been exactly that kind of chaotic.
The 10 day forecast Arlington Heights residents are looking at right now isn't just a list of numbers. It’s a survival guide for a week that’s about to go from "mildly annoying" to "properly frozen."
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The Brutal Reality of the 10 Day Forecast Arlington Heights
We just came off a weirdly warm stretch. On January 8th and 9th, we saw record-breaking temperatures in the low 60s. O’Hare actually tied a record from 1880. But that’s over. The "brief thaw" has officially packed its bags.
As of Thursday night, January 15, we’re sitting at 20°F with a wind chill that makes it feel like 11°F. If you’re heading out toward Downtown Arlington Heights for dinner, grab the heavy parka. The southwest wind is only at 7 mph right now, but it’s bringing in a shift that’s going to define the next week and a half.
What the Next Few Days Actually Look Like
Friday, January 16, is going to be the "trick" day. We’re looking at a high of 34°F, which sounds almost comfortable compared to what’s coming. Don't let it fool you. Snow showers are likely, especially in the morning. National Weather Service meteorologist Brett Borchardt has already warned that these snow squalls are basically "summer storms" but with ice. They hit fast, they hit hard, and they absolutely wreck the morning commute.
Saturday drops us into the teens. 19°F for a high. Low of 8°F.
By Sunday, the high is only 17°F. If you have plans at Arlington Ridge Center or you're thinking about a grocery run to Mariano's, do it before Sunday night. Why? Because Sunday night the low hits -2°F.
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That is not a typo.
The "Clipper Express" and Deep Freeze
Monday, January 19—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—is going to be the coldest day of the stretch. We’re looking at a high of only 6°F. The wind is going to be howling out of the west at 18 mph. Basically, if you don't have to leave the house, don't.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: A slight "warm-up" to 23°F with light snow.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly cloudy, hitting 30°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: 25°F and partly sunny.
- Friday, Jan 23: Back to snow showers and 32°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: 24°F and clearing up.
Why the Humidity Matters Right Now
People always talk about the "dry heat" in the desert, but nobody talks about the "wet cold" in Illinois. Our humidity is hovering around 52% to 82% this week. When the humidity is high and the temperature is low, the air holds that chill against your skin. It feels "heavier." It’s why 20°F in Arlington Heights feels way worse than 20°F in Denver.
Practical Survival for the Northwest Suburbs
If you’re looking at this 10 day forecast Arlington Heights and wondering how to prep, start with your pipes. When we hit those -2°F lows on Sunday and Monday, the risk of freezing goes up exponentially. Open those cabinet doors under the sink. Let a tiny drip run if your house is older.
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Also, check your tires. The pressure drops significantly when the temp swings from 34°F down to -2°F in 48 hours. You’ll likely see that annoying little "low pressure" light on your dashboard by Monday morning.
Basically, the next ten days are a classic Illinois gauntlet. We’ve got snow squalls, record-level cold, and just enough sunshine on Monday to make the 6-degree air feel insulting. Stay warm, keep the salt handy for the driveway, and maybe order in from your favorite spot on Campbell Street instead of trekking out into the wind.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your car's antifreeze levels and tire pressure before Sunday's temperature drop.
- Ensure your outdoor faucets are covered and indoor cabinets are open to prevent pipe freezes during the -2°F overnight lows.
- Plan your commutes for Friday morning with extra time to account for potential snow squalls and low visibility.