Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across the Chicago metro and northern Illinois could face sharply reduced visibility early Wednesday as dense fog blankets the region, creating hazardous conditions for the morning commute before gradual improvement later today.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, patchy dense fog developed before dawn and may linger through late morning, with the highest risk for visibility dropping below a quarter mile near and west of the Gibson City–Antioch line. Areas including Rockford, DeKalb, Elgin, Aurora, and parts of the western Chicago suburbs are most likely to see sudden changes in visibility.
Low clouds are expected to persist into the afternoon, though conditions should slowly improve. High temperatures today will range from the lower to middle 40s, with some locations pushing toward the low 50s farther south. Motorists are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra following distance while fog remains in place.
Rain chances return Thursday afternoon and evening, with soaking rainfall likely and a few thunderstorms possible. A brief lull is expected Friday before another storm system arrives this weekend. As colder air moves in, rain may change to snow late Saturday into Sunday, with highs falling into the upper 20s and lower 30s.
Forecasters advise checking for updated statements, especially if traveling early today or heading into the weekend as colder conditions settle in.
