If you've ever lived in the northwest suburbs, you know the drill. You check the sky over Buffalo Grove and think, "Yeah, looks fine for a quick run to Woodman's." Ten minutes later, you're wrestling with a rogue wind gust on Deerfield Road while the temperature drops five degrees for no apparent reason. It's basically a rite of passage.
The Reality of Buffalo Grove Hourly Weather Right Now
Honestly, today is a perfect example of why checking the hourly weather Buffalo Grove IL data isn't just for people who like spreadsheets. It's about survival. As of mid-afternoon this Thursday, January 15, 2026, we’re sitting at 24°F. That sounds manageable until you look at the "feels like" temp, which is currently a biting 16°F.
The wind is coming out of the southwest at about 7 mph, but don't let that low number fool you. In this part of Lake and Cook counties, the flat terrain means even a light breeze can cut right through a mid-weight fleece. Humidity is hovering around 49%, which is actually quite dry, even for January.
👉 See also: Exactly How Big is Half a Centimeter? Real World Comparisons You’ll Actually Remember
The Afternoon Glide to Dusk
If you’re planning on being out before dinner, here’s the deal. It’s mostly sunny right now, and the UV index is effectively zero. You won't need sunscreen, but you’ll definitely want the polarized sunglasses for that brutal glare off the patches of old snow.
- 3 PM: We’re peaking at our high of 27°F. It’s the "warmest" part of the day, if you can call it that.
- 4 PM: Shadows start getting long near Mike Rylko Community Park. Clouds begin to thicken up as we transition from that "mostly sunny" status to something a bit gloomier.
- 5 PM: Sunset hits early. The temperature starts its slow, inevitable slide back toward the teens.
Why the "Thaw" Never Feels Like One
People talk about a "January Thaw," but in Buffalo Grove, it's usually just a psychological trick played by the atmosphere. We see 27°F and think we’re winning because it isn’t single digits. But when you factor in the 60% humidity expected by tonight, that cold is going to feel a lot "wetter" and more bone-chilling than the crisp afternoon air.
The wind is also shifting. While it's southwest right now, it’s going to swing more toward the west at 9 mph as the evening progresses. This shift often signals the arrival of the system we’re seeing in the nightly forecast.
The Midnight Snow Threat
Here is the part most people are going to miss if they just glance at the daily high and low. While the day started clear, there is a 40% chance of snow after dark. We aren't talking about a blizzard here—think more along the lines of "nuisance snow."
🔗 Read more: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With the MAC Thanks It's MAC Lipstick
The low is dropping to 13°F. If that 40% chance hits, you’re looking at a light dusting that will likely freeze instantly onto the pavement. By the time most people are waking up tomorrow morning, the "mostly sunny" Thursday will be a distant memory, replaced by slick spots on Lake Cook Road.
Living With the Numbers
Let's be real: weather apps often generalize for the "Chicago area," which is a mistake. Buffalo Grove sits in a weird pocket where we sometimes miss the lake effect snow that hammers the city, but we get the full force of the wind coming off the prairies to the west.
- Check the "Feels Like" religiously: Today's 16°F wind chill is the number that actually determines if you’re getting a localized earache or not.
- Night-time precipitation is the silent killer: A 40% chance of snow at 13°F means whatever falls is staying there. It won't melt. It will just turn into that weird, grey Illinois ice.
- Wind Direction Matters: A west wind at 9 mph (our tonight forecast) is usually a dry, cold push. It’s different from a northern wind that brings the moisture off Lake Michigan.
Keeping a close eye on the hourly weather Buffalo Grove IL is the only way to not get surprised by the sudden transition from a "mostly sunny" afternoon to a "snow shower" evening. Honestly, just keep the heavy parka in the trunk of the car until at least April. You know how this goes.
Actionable Insight: If you have errands to run, get them done before 4 PM today. The visibility is a solid 10 miles right now, but once that sun dips and the clouds move in, the combination of dropping temperatures and potential light snow will make the evening commute a lot more stressful than it needs to be.