So, if you’re looking out your window in the Loop or checking the skyline from Wicker Park, you already know the vibe. January in Chicago is basically a roll of the dice with the atmosphere. Honestly, after that nasty snow squall we had on Wednesday—the one that basically turned the Kennedy Expressway into a parking lot with zero visibility—we’re all just looking for a bit of predictability.
But predictability isn’t really in the cards for the weekend weather forecast for chicago.
Saturday is looking cold. Really cold. We’re talking a high of 20°F and a low of 13°F. If you’re heading to Cubs Con at the Sheraton Grand this weekend, definitely wear the heavy layers. There is a 25% chance of snow showers during the day on Saturday, January 17, and it doesn't really let up at night. The wind is coming out of the west at about 17 mph, so that "feels like" temperature is going to be significantly lower. You know that Chicago wind. The kind that finds the one gap in your scarf and makes you regret every life choice? Yeah, that one.
The Breakdown: Saturday vs. Sunday
Saturday's "leaky stratus" setup—that’s what the meteorologists over at the National Weather Service in Romeoville are calling it—means we could see flurries or light snow showers just about anytime. It's not a major blizzard, but it's enough to make the sidewalks slick. Humidity is hanging around 60%, and the UV index is a flat 1. Basically, don't expect to see the sun.
Sunday, January 18, is a bit of a weird one.
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The high actually creeps up to 23°F, which I guess is "warm" in a relative, depressing sort of way. We still have a 20% chance of snow showers during the day, but the night clears up into a partly cloudy sky. Here’s the kicker though: the temperature is going to crater. We’re looking at a low of 7°F Sunday night.
If you’re planning to hit the No I.D. Alcohol-Free Cocktail Competition in Lake View on Sunday, just be ready for that deep freeze on the way home. The wind shifts to the southwest at 13 mph, which might feel slightly less aggressive than Saturday’s gusts, but at seven degrees, it’s all just "stay inside" weather.
Why This Forecast Matters for Your Plans
Most people see "snow showers" and think they need to cancel their brunch reservations. Don't. This isn't the 1-to-2-inch-per-hour chaos we saw earlier in the week. It's more of a persistent, annoying dusting.
- Cubs Con (Jan 16–18): It’s mostly indoors, which is a win. But the trek between hotels or to nearby spots in Streeterville will be brutal because of the wind off the lake.
- Ice Skating: Millennium Park and the Maggie Daley Ribbon are technically open, but with 17 mph winds on Saturday, you’re basically skating into a fan. Sunday morning might be your best bet if you can stomach the 20-degree air.
- The Driving Situation: The NWS is mentioning a "Limited Snow Risk" for Friday and Saturday. This means travel impacts are possible but not guaranteed. Watch out for "flash freeze" spots on bridges, especially if those Saturday snow showers pick up.
Misconceptions About January in Chicago
People always think it’s just "snowy" here. Actually, the big worry this weekend isn't the volume of snow—it's the cold following it. Sunday night into Monday is flagging an "Excessive Cold Risk." That 7°F low is just the start of a trend heading into early next week.
Also, can we talk about the "warm" spells? Just last week, Chicago tied a record high of 60°F. That’s what makes this weekend's 20-degree reality check feel so much worse. We got soft. Now, we’re back to the standard La Niña pattern where things are variable and, frankly, a bit of a mess.
Pro-Tips for Navigating the Weekend
Honestly, just lean into the indoor stuff. The "Phantom of the Opera" is still running at the Cadillac Palace, and it’s a lot warmer in there than standing on a platform at the Clark/Lake 'L' station.
If you absolutely have to be outside, remember that the west wind on Saturday will be hitting you head-on if you're walking toward the lake. Plan your routes accordingly. Use the Pedway if you're downtown; it’s the only way to survive January without losing an ear to frostbite.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the CTA trackers before you leave; cold like this can sometimes cause switch issues or delays.
- Salt your walkway on Friday night before the Saturday morning snow showers start; it’ll prevent that 13°F overnight low from turning your stairs into an ice rink.
- Layer up with a moisture-wicking base; the 60% humidity means it's a "wet cold" that soaks into your clothes if you start sweating while walking to the United Center.