Winter in the 60004 or 60005 ZIP codes is basically a game of "will the car start?" and "did I salt the driveway enough?" Honestly, keeping an eye on the hourly weather Arlington Heights has become a survival skill this week. We’ve had a wild ride in 2026 so far. Remember that record-breaking 60°F spike on January 9th? That felt like a fever dream compared to the arctic reality hitting the Northwest suburbs right now.
According to the latest data from the first weather card, the current temperature in Arlington Heights is exactly 35°F. While that might sound manageable for an Illinois January, the real story is the wind. A steady 13 mph breeze from the southwest means it actually feels more like 25°F.
The Deep Dive into Today’s Hourly Shift
If you're planning to head out to the shops on Rand Road or grabbing a coffee downtown, you've gotta time it right. Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is a transition day. The high is pegged at 37°F, but it’s going to plummet to a low of 15°F tonight.
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Cloudy skies are dominating the scene with 84% humidity. There’s an 18% chance of snow right now, but that risk jumps as the day progresses. The daily forecast indicates a 35% chance of light snow during the day, dropping slightly to 25% overnight. It’s that annoying, fine powder that makes the roads slick just as the sun goes down.
The Weekend Cold Front: What the Data Says
The "January Thaw" is officially over. Looking at the upcoming days, the mercury is taking a nose dive that would make a rollercoaster jealous. Saturday, January 17th, brings snow showers with a high of only 18°F and a low of 8°F.
Wait, it gets better. Or worse, depending on how much you like your toes.
By Monday, January 19th, we are looking at a high of 6°F and a low of 0°F. This is the polar vortex returning with a vengeance. Meteorologists like Brett Borchardt from the National Weather Service have been warning about these shifts, noting that snow squalls can behave like summer thunderstorms—hitting fast and hard. We saw this on Wednesday morning when temperatures dropped 10 degrees in 90 minutes.
Understanding the Humidity and UV Factors
People often ignore the humidity in winter, but at 82% for today, it makes the cold feel "heavy" and damp. It’s that bone-chilling sensation that a dry cold just doesn't have. On the bright side, the UV Index is 0. You won't need the sunscreen, but you'll definitely need the heavy parka and maybe a scarf to block that 13 mph southwest wind.
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Survival Tips for the 10-Day Outlook
Based on the current trends for Arlington Heights, here is how you should actually prepare:
- Check your tire pressure: This 37°F to 15°F swing tonight is exactly the kind of temperature drop that triggers that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
- Watch the West Wind: Tomorrow, the wind shifts to coming from the west at 14 mph. If you live in an exposed area or a high-rise, that's going to rattle the windows and pull heat right out of the house.
- Salt early: With snow showers predicted for Saturday and Sunday (both carrying a 25% chance), and temperatures staying well below freezing, whatever melts today will be a sheet of ice by tomorrow morning.
The long-range forecast shows a slight "recovery" by next Friday, January 23rd, back up to 34°F, but we have to survive a string of single-digit nights first. Basically, if you were planning on a long walk at Lake Arlington, maybe stick to the treadmill for a few days.
Stay warm, keep the gas tank at least half full to avoid line freeze, and keep checking the hourly weather Arlington Heights before you commit to any outdoor plans.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your outdoor pipes today while it is still 35°F and ensure any exposed faucets are insulated before the temperature drops to 15°F tonight and eventually 0°F by Monday.