Illinois – A frigid, gray Thursday morning has set the stage for a quick-moving winter system that could snarl evening travel across the Chicago metro and northwest Indiana. Temperatures hover in the mid-20s, and any moisture tonight will freeze instantly on untreated roads, creating slick conditions and reduced visibility through early Friday morning.
The National Weather Service in Chicago warns that 1 to 2 inches of snow may accumulate, primarily southwest of the city, including Ottawa, Kankakee, and Rensselaer, Indiana. The heaviest bands will develop between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. CST, with bursts of snow capable of briefly cutting visibility to near zero. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and prepare for icy intersections late tonight.
Once the snow exits, attention turns to a bitter cold blast sweeping in behind it. Friday’s highs will struggle near 30°F, and Saturday and Sunday plunge even lower, with highs only 4–15°F and wind chills as low as –30°F across the western suburbs and rural areas.
The cold snap could be the harshest of the season so far, signaling winter’s firm arrival across northern Illinois. Frostbite becomes possible within minutes under exposed skin in these conditions.
Four-Day Outlook (Chicago, IL)
- Thursday: High 25–29°F; light snow tonight, 1–2” south of city.
- Friday: High 24–31°F; blustery, wind chills –10°F to –15°F.
- Saturday: High 7–15°F; snow showers, wind chills –15°F to –30°F.
- Sunday: High 4–12°F; bitter cold, wind chills –5°F to +5°F.
