Illinois – Light flakes swirl under streetlights, and the wind cuts hard along open roads. Winter is back in motion across the Chicago area, and conditions will shift quickly through the day.
Temperatures hover near 17 degrees early this morning, with wind chills in the single digits. Snow showers develop after daybreak, becoming more widespread by late morning and afternoon. According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered snow showers may mix with sleet at times, especially north and west of downtown.
Accumulation remains light, but timing matters. Snow falls during peak travel hours, creating slick pavement on untreated roads. Bridges and overpasses are most vulnerable, especially where earlier melting refreezes. Drivers should slow down and expect brief reductions in visibility.
Winds strengthen as colder air pours in. Gusts reach 25 to 30 mph, creating blowing snow and pushing wind chills back into the teens. Conditions remain unsettled into the evening before tapering late.
Friday stays cold and breezy. Highs reach the upper 30s, but snow showers remain possible through midday. Winds remain gusty, making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Friday night turns sharply colder again, with lows near 12 degrees and continued wind.
Saturday brings a short break. Skies turn partly sunny, though temperatures struggle to climb past the low 20s. Another weak system Saturday night may bring a brief chance of snow, mainly light and spotty.
Sunday looks calmer but still cold, with highs near 32 degrees. Ice coverage on Lake Michigan remains extensive, limiting lake moderation and reinforcing colder air nearby.
Looking ahead, early next week trends milder. Highs climb into the 40s by Monday and Tuesday. NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures, signaling a gradual February thaw.
Winter travel demands patience. Watch side streets, slow on ramps, and give plows room to work. Are roads slick where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, IL
- Today: Snow showers, windy, high near 30
- Friday: Chance of snow, breezy, high near 37
- Saturday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 23
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 32
- Monday: Milder, mostly sunny, high near 41
