Illinois wakes to a cold, still morning as crisp air pushes across rooftops and curls around dark highway overpasses. Pavement feels stiff underfoot, and a thin sparkle of frost clings to parked cars across Chicago’s neighborhoods. This calm won’t last—conditions shift fast as a major winter storm nears, and Post-Thanksgiving travel could turn difficult by Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of northern and northeast Illinois, including Chicago, with heavy snow expected from 3 a.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday. Meteorologists now track a strengthening system capable of producing 6 to 10 inches of snow, with isolated higher totals northwest of the city toward the Ottawa–Waukegan line. Travel may deteriorate quickly after sunrise Saturday, especially on I-55, I-80, and the Edens and Stevenson corridors.
Snow begins early Saturday and turns heavy by midday. Strong southeast winds may create slushy drifts, while embedded heavier bands could lower visibility below a quarter mile at times. Plan extra time if you’re returning from Post-Thanksgiving trips—conditions may worsen rapidly from late morning through evening. To be fair, some lake-enhanced pockets could intensify snow near the shoreline as winds shift.
Saturday night brings continued moderate snow before tapering toward dawn Sunday. Roads may stay slick as temperatures hold in the upper 20s. Sunday afternoon brings only slight chances for lingering flurries with highs near the lower 30s. Another cold push arrives Monday, signaling a broader December pattern shift. Models hint at additional snow chances between December 2 and 6 as colder-than-normal air expands across the Midwest.
Keep coats ready, keep headlights on, and watch for sudden drops in visibility—especially if you drive early Saturday.
