Chicago weather is basically a mood ring. Last week, we were looking at record-breaking warmth and rare January flash flooding, but if you've glanced at the five day forecast Chicago IL recently, you know the city is about to do that thing where it makes you regret every life choice that led you to the Midwest.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how fast things shifted. We went from low 60s at the start of the month—which literally tied records from 1880—to a current reality where the lake effect is gearing up and the wind chill is starting to bite. If you’re planning a weekend in the Loop or just trying to figure out if your pipes are going to survive Monday, here is the breakdown of what’s actually happening.
What the Five Day Forecast Chicago IL is Hitting Us With
Right now, it’s Friday night, January 16, 2026. If you look outside, it's about 27°F, but it feels like 16°F because the wind is coming in from the west at 13 mph. We're seeing light snow showers, which is basically the appetizer for the next few days.
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Saturday, January 17: The Cold Settles In
Tomorrow is when the "real" winter vibes show up. We’re looking at a high of 21°F and a low of 14°F. Expect intermittent snow showers throughout the day. It’s not going to be a massive blizzard, but with a 25% chance of precipitation and 16 mph winds, it’s going to feel pretty miserable. The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) has already started putting out alerts about sub-zero wind chills, so if you're heading to a museum or a game, layer up like your life depends on it.
Sunday, January 18: More Flurries
Sunday stays pretty consistent with Saturday. High of 22°F, low of 9°F. The wind shifts slightly to the southwest, but the speed stays around 13 mph. We’re still looking at those persistent snow showers (about a 25% chance). It’s that dry, powdery Chicago snow that just kinda swirls around and makes driving on Lake Shore Drive a headache.
Monday, January 19: The Deep Freeze (MLK Day)
This is the day you’ve gotta watch out for. While the sky might actually clear up and give us some "partly sunny" vibes, the temperature is going to crater. We’re talking a high of 8°F and a low of 6°F. With 17 mph winds, the wind chill is going to be well below zero. Monday is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, so if you were planning on attending any outdoor marches or events, please be careful. The Garfield Center and various Chicago Public Library locations will be open as warming centers, which tells you everything you need to know about the severity.
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Tuesday, January 20: A Slight "Warm" Up
By Tuesday, we "warm up" to a high of 29°F. I say that with quotes because 29°F still feels like an icebox when the low is 8°F. The snow showers return with a 20% chance of precipitation. The wind dies down a bit to 8 mph, which is a mercy.
Why This Forecast is Different This Year
We can't talk about the five day forecast Chicago IL without acknowledging the bizarre start to 2026. On January 8th, O'Hare recorded 1.92 inches of rain. That’s the third rainiest January day in the city's history. We had a massive low-pressure system that brought record warmth (60°F) followed by strong 50 mph wind gusts.
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This current cold snap is the atmosphere basically trying to balance the books. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago, these sudden drops—like the snow squalls we saw on January 14—are becoming more intense. The contrast between that unseasonable warmth and the Arctic air coming down now is what creates that "gray wall" of snow that can drop visibility to zero in seconds.
Pro-Tips for Surviving the Next 120 Hours
- Sign up for NotifyChicago: Seriously. Text "CHILAKE" to 78015 for lakefront flooding alerts or just check the OEMC site.
- Check your tire pressure: These 20-degree drops in 24 hours will make your "low pressure" light pop on immediately.
- The 8°F Rule: On Monday, exposed skin can get frostbitten faster than you’d think. If you’re walking the dog, keep it short.
- Warming Centers: If your heat is finicky, the city has 74 Park District locations and all Police Districts (24 hours) acting as warming centers this weekend.
The five day forecast Chicago IL shows a city moving from a messy, snowy weekend into a legitimately dangerous cold snap on Monday. Don't let the "partly sunny" label on Monday fool you; that's the coldest day of the bunch.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your home's insulation and ensure your emergency car kit (blankets, salt, shovel) is ready before the Saturday snow showers begin. If you are a business owner, you can text "CHIBIZ" to 67283 for specific weather-related business updates and alerts.