Illinois — Gray skies hang low across the city this morning as mist clings to streetlights and damp pavement shines under early traffic. Visibility drops at times, especially near Lake Shore Drive, where fog and light drizzle create a muted, slippery start.
Temperatures hover near 38°F, keeping conditions chilly but manageable. Patchy fog lingers through the morning hours before slowly lifting. Drivers should allow extra braking distance during school drop-offs and commutes.
By afternoon, clouds remain stubborn, though drizzle fades. Highs reach about 44°F, with a light southwest breeze developing. For now, winter stays quiet. That changes as the week unfolds.
Tonight turns mostly cloudy with lows near 33°F. Pockets of fog may redevelop late, especially in low-lying neighborhoods and near the lake. Wet pavement could refreeze briefly in colder spots.
Wednesday improves slightly. Morning fog gives way to filtered sunshine, pushing highs to 43°F. Roads dry, and travel conditions improve. To be fair, this is the calm before a wetter pattern.
Rain arrives Thursday afternoon and continues into the evening. Highs near 50°F keep precipitation liquid, but steady rain could slow travel on I-90 and I-94 during the evening rush. Ponding is possible in poor drainage areas.
Friday stays unsettled with additional rain chances and highs near 43°F. By Saturday, colder air pushes in. Rain may mix with snow before changing to light snow, especially north and west of downtown. Accumulations look limited, but timing matters.
Saturday night temperatures fall to the mid-20s. Any leftover moisture freezes quickly, raising black ice concerns into Sunday morning. Winter tightens its grip as January 2026 settles in.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois
- Today: Fog, drizzle early; high 44
- Wednesday: Patchy fog, brighter later; high 43
- Thursday: Rain develops; high 50
- Friday: Chance rain; high 43
- Saturday: Rain to snow possible; high 39
