Chicago, Illinois – A sharp blast of winter is set to return to Illinois late Sunday night into Monday, bringing snow, strong winds, and wind chills near 10 degrees below zero that could make early-week travel dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a powerful storm system will first bring periods of rain and a chance of thunderstorms Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the upper 40s to low 60s across parts of northern Illinois before a strong cold front sweeps through Sunday night.
Behind that front, temperatures will plunge rapidly while rain changes to snow late Sunday night into early Monday morning. While snowfall totals remain uncertain, forecasters say some accumulation and blowing snow are possible, especially if heavier bands develop as the colder air arrives.
By Monday morning, temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s across northern Illinois, while strong winds could drive wind chills down to around -10°F, creating bitter conditions during the early commute.
The sharp temperature drop combined with gusty winds could also produce slick roads and reduced visibility, particularly along major routes including I-90, I-94, I-55, and I-80.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions heading into early next week and monitor updates as the storm system approaches. Forecasters say additional details on snow potential will become clearer over the next couple of days.
