Illinois – Breath hangs in the air across northeastern Illinois as winter tightens its grip early this morning. Pavement feels stiff underfoot, and untreated roads hold a quiet risk as temperatures sit well below freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, temperatures hover near 22 degrees with light northwest winds keeping wind chills in the teens. While no snow is falling, lingering moisture and refreezing spots may create patches of black ice, especially on bridges and shaded roadways.
Conditions stay mostly cloudy through the morning with highs struggling to reach the upper 20s. Drivers across Cook County should remain cautious, particularly along I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive, where early slick spots may linger despite dry skies.
Tonight turns colder again, with lows near 20 under partly cloudy skies. Sunday brings a noticeable shift. Clouds increase, and highs climb into the lower 30s as winds turn southerly. That gradual warmup continues into Sunday night, keeping temperatures closer to freezing.
The first full week of 2026 delivers a stronger change. Monday reaches the low 40s with partial sunshine, easing travel concerns and melting remaining ice. Monday night stays mild for January standards, with lows in the mid-30s.
Tuesday and Wednesday hold steady with highs in the mid-40s. While skies trend mostly cloudy at times, the milder air dominates. Later in the week, rain chances increase by Thursday as temperatures approach 50, signaling a temporary break from winter’s harsher edge.
For now, the main impact remains the cold and hidden slick spots early. Plan extra travel time, watch for refreeze after sunset, and keep winter gear handy despite the coming warmup.
Are you seeing icy patches where you drive this morning? Let us know what conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, IL
- Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 27
- Sunday: Increasing clouds, high near 31
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 41
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 44
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 44
