Illinois starts the day under gray skies as light snow taps windshields and sidewalks glaze over. Tires hiss on wet pavement, and braking distances stretch longer than expected.
Across northeast Illinois, including Chicago, temperatures hover near 29 degrees early this morning. Snow showers develop before dawn and continue into the morning commute. Some bursts fall heavy enough to quickly coat untreated roads, bridges, and ramps. Freezing drizzle mixes in at times, raising the risk of thin ice.
Travel impacts stack up quickly. Slippery conditions spread along I-90, I-94, I-55, and Lake Shore Drive. Visibility drops briefly during heavier snow bursts, especially east of the McHenry-to-Rensselaer line. Allow extra time and avoid sudden stops. Flash freezing remains possible where slush refreezes.
As the morning progresses, snow coverage becomes more scattered. Winds increase behind a passing cold front, gusting over 30 mph near Lake Michigan. These winds kick up blowing snow, briefly reducing visibility again this afternoon. Even light accumulation can cause problems when winds push snow back onto cleared lanes.
Tonight turns colder. Temperatures fall into the lower teens, locking in any leftover moisture. Side streets and sidewalks may remain slick into Saturday morning.
Saturday brings a break. Sunshine returns, and highs reach the low 20s. Roads improve, though shaded areas stay icy. Saturday night stays cold with lows near 19 degrees.
Sunday trends quieter but still wintry. Clouds linger, highs reach about 31 degrees, and no significant precipitation is expected. Monday offers a modest rebound. Highs approach 40 degrees, hinting at a broader warming trend into next week.
Plan carefully this morning and slow down. Winter still has a firm grip on February travel.
What are road conditions like where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook – Chicago, IL
- Friday: Snow showers early, windy later. High 35°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, cold. High 23°F
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, quiet. High 31°F
- Monday: Partly sunny, milder. High 40°F
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High 44°F
