Snow and bitterly cold air will affect the Chicago region today through Sunday, according to a Saturday morning update from the National Weather Service in Chicago. The agency highlighted a hazardous travel period from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, followed by dangerous wind chills tonight and early Sunday.
A sharp snowfall gradient is expected across northern Illinois, with the heaviest amounts north of Interstate 80. Most accumulations are projected to occur from late morning into midafternoon, and snowfall rates could briefly exceed one inch per hour south of the Kankakee River. The Weather Service noted that very fluffy, high-ratio snow will make roadways slippery even with light accumulation. Forecast graphics show totals ranging from under an inch south of I-80 to 4–6 inches near the Illinois–Indiana state line.
Temperatures will remain in the single digits today, with wind chills ranging from –10° to 0°. Conditions will worsen tonight as an arctic air mass settles over the region. The agency forecasts wind chills between –15° and –30° across northern Illinois, with the coldest readings from late evening through Sunday morning. Wind chills are expected to remain below zero through much of Sunday.
The Weather Service also warned of rapid ice buildup on area rivers, including the potential for localized ice jams. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, cover exposed skin and bring pets indoors due to the frostbite risk, which could occur in 30 minutes or less.
Meteorologists anticipate a warming trend early next week, with highs climbing into the 30s Tuesday and near the lower 40s Wednesday.
