Illinois — Cold air settles between buildings as wind slips down quiet streets this morning. Exhaust hangs briefly in the air. Sidewalks look dry, but winter still has leverage.
Chicago starts the day near 15 degrees, with light winds keeping the cold sharp. Skies stay mostly sunny through the morning, and highs climb to about 27 degrees. That sunshine helps, but it will not melt much snow or ice.
Conditions change quickly after dark. Clouds thicken, and snow develops this evening, mainly between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Snowfall looks light, but bursts may reduce visibility. Up to a half inch is possible in spots. Plan extra time if traveling late, especially on I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive.
As snow tapers off, temperatures dip to around 19 degrees. Any melted snow can refreeze fast. This is prime flash-freeze season, especially on bridges and untreated side streets.
Monday stays mostly cloudy, with a high near 29 degrees. A few flurries may linger early, but widespread snow ends. Roads improve through the afternoon, though shaded areas remain slick.
Monday night turns colder again, dropping to about 16 degrees. Tuesday brings a brief break. Skies partially clear, and highs reach 26 degrees. That calm does not last long.
By Tuesday night, clouds return with a chance of snow showers. Accumulation looks light for now, but timing could impact early Wednesday travel. Meteorologists continue to monitor this midweek system closely.
Wednesday trends brighter, with sunshine returning and highs near 26 degrees. Cold air stays locked in through the first week of February. National outlooks suggest below-normal temperatures across the Midwest, with limited precipitation but frequent cold snaps.
Five-Day Chicago Outlook
- Today: Mostly sunny, high 27
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 29
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 26
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 26
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 33
