Illinois starts the morning under low clouds and lingering haze, with fog clinging to city streets and expressways. Headlights glow through mist, and visibility drops quickly near rivers and open areas.
Fog remains the first concern today. Some pockets may turn dense, especially on the South and West Sides and near I-55 and I-80. Drivers should slow down and allow extra stopping distance through the morning hours.
By later today, attention shifts to what comes next. Warmer air briefly pushes into the region, lifting temperatures into the 40s. That warmth fuels an active pattern heading into Sunday.
Showers become likely Sunday, with areas of fog redeveloping early. By afternoon, thunderstorms may form, especially south and west of downtown Chicago. Severe weather is not guaranteed, but a few storms could produce strong wind gusts.
Conditions change rapidly Sunday night. Winds strengthen sharply, gusting 35 to 45 mph, and colder air rushes in. Rain may flip to snow before ending. Snow amounts appear limited, but blowing snow could briefly reduce visibility.
Travel impacts grow Sunday night into Monday morning. Wet roads may freeze quickly as temperatures fall into the teens. Bridges and overpasses ice first, increasing crash risk during early commutes.
Monday stays blustery and cold. Scattered snow showers remain possible, driven by strong winds off Lake Michigan. Wind chills dip into the single digits at times.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve and the start of 2026, colder-than-normal conditions settle in. Dry weather dominates, but the cold snap keeps frost and black ice concerns elevated during overnight hours.
Plan travel carefully Sunday night. Secure loose outdoor items and prepare vehicles for winter conditions.
Traveling through Chicago this weekend? Share what you’re seeing on the roads.
Five-Day Outlook: Chicago, IL
- Today: Cloudy, fog possible; high near 43
- Sunday: Showers, chance of storms; high near 58
- Monday: Windy, chance of snow; high near 26
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, cold; high near 29
- Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Mostly cloudy, cold; high near 32
