Illinois – Gray skies hang low over the city this morning as damp air settles in from Lake Michigan. Pavement looks dry at first glance, but a closer look shows lingering moisture, the kind that turns slick quickly once drizzle begins.
According to the National Weather Service, Chicago stays mostly cloudy today with temperatures climbing into the upper 40s. Patchy drizzle develops at times, especially later in the day, while areas of fog reduce visibility. Conditions remain mild for late December, but the moisture raises travel concerns.
Drivers along I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive should stay alert. Light drizzle and fog may create slick spots, particularly on bridges and ramps. Winds stay light, so fog could linger longer than expected in low-lying areas.
By Wednesday, clouds remain locked in, and spotty drizzle continues during the afternoon. Temperatures dip slightly into the low 40s. While no snow is expected, the wet pattern keeps roads damp through the evening commute. After sunset, colder air filtering in could allow isolated slick patches to form.
Christmas Day stays cloudy and seasonably mild, with highs near 41. Travel conditions look manageable overall, though lingering moisture may keep streets damp. To be fair, it feels more like early November than deep winter.
Attention turns to post-Christmas travel on Friday. Rain chances increase by afternoon, with highs rebounding into the upper 40s. While winter weather stays north for now, fluctuating temperatures could still lead to brief slick conditions late at night.
Plan extra time, keep headlights on in fog, and watch for sudden changes. Winter may be quiet now, but it rarely stays that way long in Chicago.
Traveling later this week? What are road conditions like in your neighborhood?
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois
• Today: Mostly cloudy, patchy drizzle. High near 48.
• Wednesday: Cloudy with drizzle chances. High near 41.
• Christmas Day: Cloudy, mild. High near 41.
• Thursday: Rain likely late. High near 38.
• Friday: Rain chances increase. High near 47.
