Illinois – Breath turns to frost instantly across northeastern Illinois this New Year’s morning as the city wakes under a hard, midwinter chill. Sidewalks creak under boots, car doors resist opening, and the cold settles deep before sunrise.
At Chicago Midway Airport, temperatures hover near 15 degrees with wind chills near zero. According to the National Weather Service, a brief chance of light snow develops this morning, mainly before early afternoon. Any snow should be minor, but even a dusting can create slick patches on untreated roads.
Drivers along I-90, I-94, Lake Shore Drive, and surface streets should watch for isolated icy spots, especially bridges and shaded areas. Visibility remains good, but cold pavement raises the risk of flash freezing where moisture lingers. Slow down and allow extra stopping distance if heading out.
Skies gradually clear later today as highs struggle into the lower 20s. To be fair, it stays quiet through tonight, though cold air remains firmly in place. Overnight lows dip into the teens, keeping sidewalks and parking lots icy.
Friday brings sunshine and a modest improvement, with highs climbing into the mid-20s. Winds ease, making it feel more manageable, though winter still dominates. Clouds increase again Friday night, setting up a mostly cloudy Saturday.
By the weekend, temperatures edge closer to 30 degrees. While that sounds mild by January standards, refreezing continues after dark. Sunday offers more sunshine and low 30s before clouds return Sunday night.
Looking ahead, early next week hints at a bigger warm-up, with highs pushing toward 40 by Monday. Meteorologists note no major winter storms are expected immediately, but January remains unpredictable.
Bundle up today, protect exposed skin, and stay alert for slick spots as Chicago eases into the first weekend of 2026.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, IL
• New Year’s Day: Chance of light snow, high near 21
• Friday: Sunny, high near 26
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 30
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 31
• Monday: Partly sunny, warmer, high near 40
