Chicago, Illinois – Visibility could drop to one mile or less along I-90 and I-94 by the Thursday morning commute as dense fog and drizzle spread across northern Illinois, creating slick pavement and sudden slowdowns within the next few hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, periods of showers, drizzle and fog will cycle through the region the rest of the week, with the most persistent fog near the Wisconsin state line and along the Lake Michigan shoreline through midmorning Thursday. Additional rounds of fog are possible late Thursday night into early Friday, especially closer to the lake.
Across Illinois, drivers from Rockford to Joliet may encounter changing visibility and damp roads, but the thickest fog is expected near Chicago’s northern suburbs including Waukegan and Evanston. Speeds could drop quickly on I-294, I-290 and Lake Shore Drive during early commute hours. Motorists should use low-beam headlights and allow extra braking distance.
By Friday afternoon, temperatures inland could surge into the mid-70s, nearly 15 degrees warmer than lakeshore communities. That warmth may fuel scattered thunderstorms late Friday afternoon and Friday night, a few of which could become severe with gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The timing targets the evening drive along I-55 and I-80.
Showers may linger into Saturday morning before drier air gradually returns. Residents should monitor updated statements and enable weather alerts, especially with changing conditions expected through Friday night.
