Illinois – Damp pavement glints under streetlights as crisp air settles in, setting the stage for slick spots and a cautious start to the first full week of 2026. Temperatures hover near freezing early, and even light moisture could harden into black ice, especially north of I-90.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a limited ice accumulation risk lingers early, driven by patchy freezing drizzle near the Wisconsin border. While widespread impacts are not expected, isolated slick spots could develop quickly on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Chicago and nearby suburbs remain cold but mostly dry through the day, with highs pushing into the lower 30s. Skies gradually brighten, yet shaded sidewalks and parking lots may stay icy longer than expected. Drivers should ease off the gas and leave extra space, especially during the morning push and again after sunset.
Conditions turn milder into Monday as highs climb into the low 40s. That brief warm-up may melt lingering ice during daylight hours, only to refreeze later, a classic January flash-freeze setup. Commuters should watch for changing road conditions, even if pavement looks merely wet.
Into Tuesday, clouds thicken and a light rain chance appears as temperatures reach the low 40s again. For now, snow stays out of the picture, but meteorologists are already tracking stronger winter patterns later this month around the Great Lakes, with heavier snow possible between January 17 and 30.
Daylight continues its slow comeback. By the end of January, Chicago gains roughly 40 more minutes of light, a small but welcome shift as winter settles in.
Traveling today or early this week? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois
- Today: Partly sunny, high near 33°F
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 41°F
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, slight rain chance, high near 43°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 44°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, rain chance later, high near 48°F
