Illinois – Frost coats windshields, breath hangs in the air, and pavement feels stiff underfoot as winter tightens its grip across northern Illinois this morning. Temperatures sit in the teens, and even small patches of snow could quickly turn slick on untreated roads during early travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, readings hover near 14 degrees early today with northwest winds around 10 mph, pushing wind chills closer to 1 below. A light snow chance develops late tonight, mainly after midnight, with up to a half-inch possible before daybreak Sunday. Visibility may briefly dip, especially near Lake Michigan.
Across Cook County, conditions stay mostly sunny today, but the cold remains the main concern. Drivers along I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive should watch for flash freezing where daytime melting refreezes after sunset. Side streets and bridge decks tend to glaze first. Crews continue monitoring elevated roadways and ramps.
Sunday brings some relief. Highs climb toward 30 with breaks of sun, though clouds linger into Sunday night. By Monday, a noticeable warm-up arrives. Afternoon temperatures near 40 begin a broader thaw across the Midwest, even as the Great Lakes remain heavily frozen. That contrast can fuel lingering clouds and occasional lake-enhanced flurries, but widespread snow looks limited for now.
By Tuesday, highs near 50 mark a sharp February turnaround. The milder pattern extends into midweek before cooling slightly again, though signs point to above-normal temperatures heading deeper into next week.
Traveling later today or tonight? Slow down on shaded roads and bridges. Noticing slick spots in your neighborhood? Share what you’re seeing.
Five-Day Weather for Chicago, Illinois
- Today: Mostly sunny. High near 24.
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Chance of light snow after midnight. Low near 20.
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 30.
- Monday: Partly sunny. High near 39.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny and milder. High near 51.
