Illinois wakes up under low gray clouds, with fresh snow crunching underfoot and traffic already slowing on untreated roads. Light flakes drift across the city early, and the pattern ahead grows more dangerous as snow gives way to brutal cold.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, accumulating snow is creating hazardous travel through the morning, especially along and north of I-80. Gusty winds may cause patchy blowing snow later, reducing visibility during the commute. Officials are also monitoring extensive ice cover on rivers, which could lead to localized ice jam flooding.
Snow chances linger today, with highs near 32. Roads may remain slick, particularly on bridges and ramps. Conditions improve briefly later, but colder air presses in quickly. Tonight turns sharply colder as temperatures fall into the teens and winds increase.
Thursday offers little relief. A few snow showers may develop late, with highs near the mid-20s. Wind chills dip below zero by evening, setting the stage for dangerous cold. Conditions deteriorate fast after sunset.
Friday brings the worst of the cold snap. Highs barely reach around 1 degree, and strong winds drive wind chills between 30 and 35 below zero. Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes on exposed skin. Limit time outdoors and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets.
Friday night remains bitter, with lows near 5 below. Snow chances return into Saturday, keeping roads slick and visibility reduced at times. Saturday stays cold, with highs near 10 and lingering snow possible.
Sunday stays frigid but quieter. Highs rise slightly into the mid-teens, though cold air still dominates daily life across the metro.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook keeps much of Illinois below normal, with continued cold and periodic snow chances into late January.
Five Day Weather Outlook – Chicago, Illinois
Today: Chance of snow, high near 32
Thursday: Slight snow chance late, high near 24
Friday: Extreme cold, blustery, high near 1
Saturday: Chance of snow, very cold, high near 10
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, cold, high near 16
