CHICAGO – The first significant wintry system of December is underway across northern Illinois, with snow creating slick and hazardous travel conditions Monday evening. The National Weather Service in Chicago reports that most areas will pick up 1 to 3 inches of accumulation, with isolated spots near 4 inches south of the Kankakee River before snow tapers off overnight.
Reduced visibility and snow-covered roads are expected to cause slow travel during the evening commute, especially on untreated surfaces and bridges. Forecasters urge drivers to allow extra time and use caution as road conditions worsen through early nightfall.
After tonight’s snow, temperatures will moderate slightly Tuesday and Wednesday before a strong Arctic front sweeps across the region late Wednesday night. Wind chills could plummet to –10°F to –20°F by early Thursday morning, marking the coldest air of the season so far.
Here’s the outlook for the week:
- Tonight: Light to moderate snow, tapering late; 1–3 inches total. Lows 13–21°F.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy; highs 22–27°F, lows near 15°F.
- Wednesday: A few snow showers; highs 32–34°F. Wind chills –5° to –20°F overnight.
- Thursday: Frigid and breezy; highs 8–16°F, lows near 0°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny; highs rebound to the mid-20s.
