Chicago, IL – A relentless burst of early winter snow has dumped over 17 inches across both Chicago and Rockford, marking one of the fastest and snowiest season starts on record for northern Illinois.
According to the National Weather Service, Chicago-O’Hare recorded 17.1 inches of snow through Saturday, making it the quickest start since 1978, when 24.1 inches fell by the same point. Nearly all of that — 15.4 inches — has fallen in just the past nine days, a stretch that now ranks as the snowiest 9-day span since February 2021.
Rockford matched that seasonal total with 17.1 inches as well, but broke even longer-standing ground. It’s the fastest snow season start in the city since reliable records began in 1905. The last comparable burst came in February 2018, when 16.1 inches fell.
Both cities have already surpassed or matched their entire snowfall totals from last winter — and it’s only early December.
Travel across northern Illinois remains impacted, with plows working around the clock and secondary roads still slick in spots. Drivers are urged to use caution and allow extra time, especially in suburban and rural areas.
More snow chances are possible early next week, and advisories may follow depending on storm track and temperatures.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois:
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 36°F, patchy ice possible early
- Monday: Light snow likely late, high 33°F, low 25°F
- Tuesday: Snow showers, 1–2″ possible, breezy, high 30°F
- Wednesday: Clearing skies, colder, high 28°F, low 19°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 31°F
