Chicago, IL – Light snow this morning across northern Illinois is the first round of a multi-day winter pattern that will bring accumulating snow, hazardous travel, and bitter cold through midweek. Forecasters warn that the most dangerous conditions may arrive Wednesday and Thursday, when wind chills could fall to –10°F to –15°F.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, up to one inch of new snow is possible today, with gusty winds up to 35 mph creating areas of blowing snow. Temperatures will remain in the 20s and low 30s, setting the stage for additional accumulation Monday.
The most significant travel issues are expected Monday afternoon into Monday evening, when accumulating snow and stronger winds could affect the workday commute. Forecast highs will stay in the mid-20s to near 30°, with lows dipping into the teens overnight.
Tuesday offers a brief break from snowfall, but colder air begins pushing in. Highs are forecast in the low to mid-20s, with nighttime temperatures sliding into the teens as Arctic air approaches the region.
The coldest stretch arrives Wednesday and Thursday, when daytime highs may struggle to reach the teens and overnight lows fall below zero in some locations. With wind gusts continuing, the National Weather Service warns that wind chills between –10°F and –15°F are possible across Chicago, Cook County, the collar counties, and much of northern Illinois.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, warm up vehicles before travel, and prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions throughout the first half of the week.
