Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois are navigating sudden drops in visibility early this morning, with dense fog reducing sightlines to a quarter mile or less along Interstate 88 until at least 9 a.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, areas of dense fog developed overnight, especially near and north of the I-88 corridor. The thickest fog is impacting communities from Rockford and DeKalb east through Elgin, Aurora and into Chicago’s western suburbs. Visibility may fall below one-quarter mile at times, particularly near the Wisconsin state line.
The fog is creating hazardous travel conditions on I-90, I-88 and I-94, where drivers may encounter rapid changes in visibility. Elevated roadways and bridges could also become slick in spots as moisture condenses on cooler surfaces. Along Lake Shore Drive, patchy fog may reduce visibility near the lakefront through the early commute.
Transportation officials urge motorists to slow down, use low-beam headlights and avoid sudden lane changes. Leave extra space between vehicles and be prepared for traffic slowdowns in areas where fog thickens quickly.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve by midmorning as temperatures rise and light mixing develops. However, pockets of reduced visibility may linger longer in low-lying areas and near rivers.
The fog threat should ease later this morning, but additional statements could be issued if dense patches persist beyond the commute.
