Chicago, Illinois – Mild conditions will hold across the Chicago area through Tuesday before a sharp shift brings colder air, gusty winds, and periods of snow by midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, temperatures will remain unseasonably mild through Tuesday, with daytime highs reaching the mid to upper 40s. Breezy conditions are expected Tuesday, and a few sprinkles or brief flurries may occur, though no accumulation is expected.
Conditions begin to change on Wednesday, as colder air moves into northern Illinois. Highs will fall to the low to mid-30s, and periods of snow showers are expected during the day. Forecasters note that wind-whipped snow showers could reduce visibility at times, especially during the evening commute, as temperatures continue to drop.
By Wednesday night into Thursday morning, attention turns to lake effect snow, particularly for areas near Lake Michigan. The National Weather Service indicates that localized accumulating snow is possible overnight as colder air passes over the relatively warmer lake waters. Exact locations and amounts remain uncertain, but impacts could include slick roads and reduced visibility in favored lake effect bands.
Thursday will remain cold, with highs only reaching the mid to upper 20s, and a chance of lingering snow, especially early in the day. Overnight lows by Thursday morning may dip into the upper teens to low 20s.
No winter weather advisories have been issued yet, but residents should stay alert as lake effect setups can evolve quickly. Commuters, students, and overnight travelers should plan for changing conditions from late Wednesday through early Thursday.
