Illinois – Thick flakes sweep across northern Illinois this morning as a vigorous winter system tightens its grip on Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Streets already show slushy buildup, and wind pushes snow across open stretches, making visibility change block-to-block. Post-Thanksgiving travelers heading toward I-55, I-88, and I-94 should plan for slowdowns and brief whiteouts, especially during the heaviest bursts expected later today.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, with 6–10 inches of snow likely across Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and portions of northwest Indiana. Higher totals may develop from Ottawa to Waukegan, where snowfall bands intensify. Southeast winds gusting near 30 mph will increase the blowing and drifting risk.
Travel could deteriorate quickly through the afternoon. Plows will struggle to keep pace as snowfall rates climb, and even treated roads may glaze with slushy accumulation. If travel is unavoidable, keep emergency items in the vehicle and give extra distance for braking.
Meteorologists are also watching several early-December trends. Light additional snow is possible late Monday into early Tuesday as a weaker disturbance crosses the region. Models hint at another early-winter “tease” December 4–8 as colder-than-normal air spreads from the Great Lakes to the Midwest. That pattern may support more widespread snow chances or a heavier system for areas north of Chicago. For now, residents should monitor conditions and prepare for a colder first week of December.
Sunday will slowly improve as winds shift west and snow tapers, though slick pavement and reduced visibility may linger. Behind this system, colder air moves in, reinforcing a wintry feel across the metro.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago (4 Miles NE Chicago IL)
Saturday: Heavy snow. High 32. Blowing snow at times.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy. High 33.
Monday: Mostly cloudy; snow chance late. High 27.
Tuesday: Partly sunny. High 28.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. High 30.
