Chicago, Illinois – Periods of snow are expected to continue across northern Illinois through Saturday night, with changing conditions that could create localized travel impacts.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service Chicago office, wet snow is expected late tonight through Saturday morning, particularly north of Interstate 80. Temperatures near or slightly above freezing may limit accumulation on roads, though up to two inches of snow could collect on colder and grassy surfaces, especially across interior far northern Illinois. In some locations, precipitation may briefly begin as drizzle before transitioning to snow near sunrise.
South of I-80, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain or wet snow Saturday morning, with little accumulation expected.
As conditions turn blustery Saturday afternoon, light snow showers or flurries are expected at times. Forecasters say winds will increase, setting the stage for more impactful conditions later in the day.
Saturday evening through early Sunday, periods of wind-whipped snow showers are expected, which could produce localized coatings of snow. The National Weather Service warned that these bursts may lead to brief reductions in visibility, slippery travel, and slowed driving, particularly on untreated roads.
While widespread heavy snow is not anticipated, impacts are expected to be uneven, with some locations seeing little accumulation and others experiencing brief slick conditions during heavier snow showers.
A five-day outlook from the National Weather Service shows blustery weather continuing into Sunday, with additional chances for rain and snow showers early next week as temperatures fluctuate.
Drivers are encouraged to remain alert for rapidly changing road conditions, especially Saturday evening and overnight. Slowing down and allowing extra travel time can help reduce the risk of crashes.
For commuters, students, and weekend travelers across the Chicago area and northern Illinois, intermittent snow and gusty winds may cause localized delays through Saturday night.
