Winter in Brookfield is basically a game of "how many layers can I fit under this parka?" Honestly, if you aren't checking the forecast every hour, you're playing a dangerous game with the Chicago-area elements.
Right now, it’s 14°F out there. But that number is a total lie. Because of that 11 mph wind coming straight out of the west, it actually feels like 1°F. That’s the "feels like" temperature that matters when you're walking from your car into the grocery store or trying to get the dog to finish its business.
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The sky is partly cloudy tonight, and the humidity is sitting at 56%.
The Reality of Brookfield IL Hourly Weather Right Now
You’ve probably noticed that the weather here doesn't just change by the day; it shifts by the minute. Today, Saturday, January 17, we are looking at a high of 20°F and a low of 12°F. It's cloudy, and there is a 20% chance of snow showers during both the day and the night.
Western winds are kicking up at 14 mph.
If you’re planning on heading out to the Brookfield Zoo, you’ve got to be smart about it. People think the zoo is just a summer thing, but the animals like the snow leopards and polar bears are actually way more active when it’s freezing like this.
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Most of the primate and dolphin areas are indoors anyway.
It’s just that brief trek between the Salt Creek building and the Seven Seas that’ll get you. Dress for 1°F, not 14°F. That’s the secret.
Looking at the Week Ahead
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is essentially a carbon copy of today in terms of the high. We're hitting 20°F again. However, the overnight low is going to dip down to 9°F.
The snow shower chance bumps up slightly to 25%.
- Monday brings the real arctic punch. The high is only 8°F. The low? 5°F.
- Tuesday stays cold with a low of 5°F and a high of 26°F under cloudy skies.
- Wednesday sees a "warm-up" to 28°F, though the west wind will be gusting at 15 mph.
Why the Hourly Forecast is Actually Your Best Friend
Most people just look at the little icon on their phone and see a snowflake. They assume the whole day is a wash. That’s not how it works in Brookfield.
Take Monday, for example. It’s going to be partly sunny. Even though it’s 8°F, that sun hitting the pavement can actually make a difference for visibility and ice melt on the roads.
If you're commuting into the city or taking the Metra from the Hollywood or Prairie Avenue stations, that 16 mph wind on Monday is going to be the main character of your morning.
Humidity is hovering around 54% to 61% this week. It’s that dry, biting cold that makes your skin feel like it’s two sizes too small.
Historically, January is the windiest month for us, averaging about 18 mph. Compared to that, this week’s 10-14 mph winds are actually kind of a reprieve, believe it or not.
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Practical Steps for Braving the Brookfield Cold
- Check the wind direction: A west wind in Brookfield often feels sharper than a south wind, even at the same temperature.
- Watch the UV Index: It’s at a 1 or 2 all week, so you don't need to worry about sunburn, but the glare off the snow can still be a literal headache.
- Plan for the "Big Dip": Monday and Tuesday nights are the ones where you want to make sure your pipes are happy and your car battery isn't 5 years old.
The rest of the week stays fairly consistent. Thursday and Friday will see highs in the low 20s. We're looking at 24°F on Thursday and 22°F on Friday.
Both days have about a 10% to 20% chance of snow showers.
Basically, keep the boots by the door. You’re going to need them through at least next weekend, when the highs stay stuck at 20°F and the snow showers continue their "maybe, maybe not" dance.