Right now, if you’re standing on Michigan Avenue or waiting for the "L" at State and Lake, you’re probably not thinking about historical averages. You’re thinking about how fast you can get inside.
As of late Saturday night, January 17, 2026, the current temperature in Chicago is sitting at a crisp 16°F. But honestly? That number is a total lie. If you actually step outside, your face is going to tell you it's much colder because the "feels like" or wind chill temperature is hovering at a brutal 2°F.
That’s the thing about Chicago in January. The raw number on your phone's weather app rarely tells the full story of what your skin is actually experiencing.
The Cold Hard Numbers: Current Conditions in Chicago
If you need the specific breakdown for your late-night trek or Sunday morning plans, here is the data straight from the sensors at O'Hare and Midway.
- Current Temperature: 16°F
- Wind Chill: 2°F
- Wind Speed: 12 mph (coming from the West)
- Humidity: 77%
- Conditions: Mostly cloudy with a slight 10% chance of snow flurries.
Basically, the air is thick with moisture and the wind is cutting in from the west at just enough speed to make that 16 degrees feel like a single-digit nightmare. We’ve seen a bit of light snow and fog throughout the day, which has left the roads in that classic Chicago state—kinda slushy, kinda icy, and entirely unpredictable.
Why the "Windy City" Label is Actually a Trap
People think Chicago is called the Windy City because of the gusts coming off Lake Michigan. While that wind definitely bites, the nickname actually started as a jab at 19th-century politicians who were "full of hot air."
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But try telling that to someone walking past the Willis Tower right now.
When the current temperature in Chicago drops into the teens, the urban canyon effect turns every side street into a wind tunnel. That 12 mph wind we're seeing right now might feel like 25 mph when it's funneled between skyscrapers. This is why local experts like the team at the National Weather Service Chicago office are constantly hammering home the importance of the "feels like" temp.
If you're out tonight, you've probably noticed the sky is "mostly cloudy." That’s actually a bit of a blessing. In the winter, clouds act like a giant thermal blanket. If the sky cleared up completely right now, that 16°F would plummet even faster as the heat escapes into the atmosphere.
What’s Coming Next: Sunday and Beyond
If you think tonight is chilly, brace yourself. We're looking at a high of 21°F on Sunday, January 18, but the low is going to dive down to 9°F.
There is also a significant chance of snow showers (around 25%) during the day. This is particularly relevant for anyone heading to Soldier Field for the Rams vs. Bears game. Forecasts for the 6:30 PM ET kickoff suggest temperatures in the upper teens with gusts that could hit 30 mph. If you’re tailgating, honestly, double up on the wool socks.
Looking further into the week:
- Monday: High of 9°F, Low of 6°F (It’s going to be a rough commute).
- Tuesday: A slight "warm-up" to 27°F.
- Wednesday: Hitting nearly 29°F before another dip.
Expert Tips for Surviving 16°F Weather
It sounds basic, but most people mess up the layering. You don't just need a "big coat." You need a moisture-wicking base layer because 77% humidity means if you sweat even a little while walking to the train, that moisture will freeze against your skin the moment you stop moving.
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Also, keep an eye on your tire pressure. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, you lose about one pound of tire pressure. If your "low tire" light hasn't come on yet, it probably will by Monday morning when we hit those single digits.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your car battery: Cold weather is a battery killer; if yours is over three years old, get it tested before Monday's deep freeze.
- Layer by function: Wear a synthetic base, a fleece middle, and a windproof outer shell to combat that 2°F wind chill.
- Hydrate your skin: High humidity in cold air paradoxically dries out your skin faster; use a heavy ointment-based moisturizer before heading out.