Chicago is bracing for another light snow and then may see some of the coldest temperatures yet this winter later in the week.
Though there have already been a couple of subzero days since early December, temperatures may dip to 10 degrees below zero Friday or Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast could still change before then, but those colder temps could be accompanied by wind chills of minus-20 to minus-30 degrees, said meteorologist Rafal Ogorek with the NWS office in Romeoville.
“There’s some uncertainty how low they will go but at least 20 below,” Ogorek said of the expected wind chill. “It could be even more.”
Mid-January through early February is typically the coldest time of the winter, Ogorek said.
Bitterly cold wind chills are expected again tonight. A period of accumulating snow is possible Tue night, mainly north of I-80, with another quick hit of snow possible Wed eve. Thereafter, another significant blast of arctic cold is expected Fri into the weekend. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/kRR8wyXtzF
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 19, 2026
Because Chicago has had a mix of mild and very cold weeks, the average temperature has been just above 28 degrees, Ogorek said. That is about average for this point in the winter, he said.
“It’s been kind of a seesaw this winter,” he said.
Before the arctic air hits, light snow is expected Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Bears fans braved an especially cold night Sunday during the team’s loss to the Rams.
That cold weather continued Monday with bone-chilling wind chills as protesters rallied downtown. The temperature at O’Hare dropped to minus-1 degree Monday, marking only the second time this winter that it was that cold. Dec. 14 was the only other below-zero day recorded.
On Monday, a group of skaters took advantage of the cold temps and played hockey on the North Pond in Lincoln Park.
Contributing: Mary Norkol and Mohammad Samra
