Chicago, IL – Holiday travelers across the Chicago area and northern Illinois should prepare for a mild but gloomy stretch of weather heading into Christmas, with drizzle, fog, and periods of rain expected before colder air arrives next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, above-normal temperatures will continue through Saturday, though skies are expected to turn increasingly gray beginning Wednesday afternoon. The unsettled pattern is forecast to linger through Christmas Day, creating damp conditions for commuters and holiday plans.
On Tuesday, clouds increase with drizzle developing during the afternoon, especially north of Interstate 80. High temperatures are expected to range from the low to mid-50s, well above late-December averages. Overnight lows dip into the upper 20s to mid-30s, raising the potential for patchy fog in some areas.
Wednesday (Christmas Eve) is expected to remain mild, with highs in the upper 30s to upper 40s. Forecasters say drizzle and fog will be most likely south of I-80, while clouds remain widespread across the region.
By Thursday (Christmas Day), scattered rain showers are expected, particularly during the morning hours. Temperatures will stay unseasonably warm, with highs ranging from the mid-40s to upper 50s, warmest toward southern Illinois.
Additional rounds of rain are possible Thursday night into Friday, and potentially again late Saturday, before a shift toward cooler temperatures arrives heading into next week.
While no significant winter weather is expected during this period, officials caution that wet roads, fog, and reduced visibility could impact holiday travel, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and allow extra travel time during periods of drizzle and rain.
