Just like every January, cold weather will influence the rest of the 2026 NFL playoffs. The Rams will travel from sunny California to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears Sunday in the divisional round.
A major aspect of Sunday night’s divisional round game will be the forecast, which anticipates single-digit temperatures, snow and winds exceeding 10 mph.
Los Angeles rarely plays in cold weather — winter temperatures in California usually range from 60 to 70 degrees, and SoFi Stadium features a roof. Nevertheless, rumors suggest that Matthew Stafford might emulate Tom Brady and wear a scuba suit to stay warm.
Here are the latest weather updates for Bears vs. Rams and the forecast for kickoff.
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Bears vs. Rams weather updates
This section will be updated leading up to kickoff.
It is snowing with about 11 minutes to go before kickoff. It isn’t sticking to the field, but it will make conditions tough for players with the wind and snow.
30 minutes away from kickoff, and it is 19 degrees at Soldier Field. The wind is gusting up to 27 mph and it is driving the RealFeel down. Per AccuWeather, the RealFeel at kickoff is expected to be -4 degrees.
Sunday evening will be very cold for the Rams’ game against the Bears. Temperatures will reach 21°F at most and drop to just 2°F, with wind chill making it feel around 1°F.
The National Weather Service issued a report saying that there will be “bitterly cold weather” starting on Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Per the report, “limit time outdoors when possible and bundle up!”
An arctic front will bring bitterly cold temperatures and sub-zero wind chills late tonight through Monday. This will also lead to buildup of river ice which could lead to localized ice jams. Limit time outdoors when possible and be sure to bundle up! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/gPAYJ0ZGfm
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 18, 2026
Although snow is expected, it’s likely to be less than an inch on the ground. The Bears are somewhat accustomed to cold weather, even if it isn’t ideal for Caleb Williams. These conditions could give them an advantage at home against the Rams, who play indoors in sunny Los Angeles.
Currently 16° but feels like 2°. Bear weather. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/XUZ07J3k0q
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) January 18, 2026
However, both quarterbacks should expect their throws to be affected by the nearly 20 mph winds during the contest. Stafford may have some Déjà vu, as he played in similar winter-like conditions in the divisional round last season against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chicago forecast for Bears vs. Rams
- High temperature: 21 degrees
- Low temperature: 1 degree
- Chance of precipitation: 80%
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How cold is it in Chicago?
The Sunday high in Chicago is expected to reach 21°F, with wind chill bringing it down to the single digits at Soldier Field. There’s also a 69% chance of light winds, with snow showers at 20 mph, gusting to 27 mph.
On Sunday morning, Chicago has the expected “football weather” that many anticipated.
It’s cold out there. Chicago Bears weather! pic.twitter.com/JXjzuUPkLO
— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) January 18, 2026
At kickoff, the temperature is likely to be around 2°F, but the wind will make it feel nearer to -1°F.
Tony Dungy, who was on the scene for the frigid 2024 wild card game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, has the on-the-scene report.
I went for my morning walk to check on the weather for tonight. It’s cold but not as bad as Kansas City 2 years ago. However it’s going to be windy at the stadium.
I believe both teams will handle the conditions with the run games and run defense being important. QBs will both… pic.twitter.com/E6ZXYV9lXY— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) January 18, 2026
