Chicago, Illinois – Accumulating snow and bitter cold are expected to impact the Chicago area beginning late Saturday and continuing through Sunday, raising concerns for hazardous travel and cold exposure.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until noon Saturday, with wind chills ranging from -20 to -30 degrees across northern Illinois during the morning hours. Conditions are expected to improve later today, but cold temperatures will persist.
Snow is forecast to develop late Saturday afternoon into the evening, becoming more widespread after midnight and continuing through Sunday. Forecasters said Chicago can expect 1 to 3 inches of snow, with higher totals possible near and east of Interstate 55 and along the Lake Michigan shoreline due to lake enhancement. Areas farther east could see 2 to 4 inches, while localized higher totals remain possible if lake-effect bands persist.
The National Weather Service emphasized that the snow will be very dry and fluffy, allowing even light accumulations to quickly create slick conditions on roads, sidewalks, and bridges. Reduced visibility is possible during periods of steadier snowfall, particularly overnight and Sunday morning.
The highest travel impacts are expected late Saturday night through Sunday, when untreated roads may become snow-covered. Snow may linger into Sunday evening before tapering off, though cold temperatures will limit melting and allow slick spots to persist.
In addition to snowfall, sub-zero wind chills are expected to return Monday morning, with another round of -15 to -25 degree wind chills possible, extending cold-related risks into the workweek.
The conditions may affect weekend travelers, overnight workers, and early Sunday commuters. Officials urged residents to limit travel when possible, dress in layers, protect exposed skin, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates, as the exact placement of snowfall bands could affect local totals and travel conditions.
