CHICAGO, IL – A gray morning sky stretches over the skyline as light snow drifts through downtown and traffic moves cautiously along I-90 and I-94. The calm before the Arctic blast won’t last long. By Friday, another round of light snow will return, followed by a bitter plunge in temperatures through the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Chicago reports a 40% chance of snow Thursday night, with flurries turning steadier by Friday morning. While accumulations should stay light — an inch or less — gusty winds and falling temperatures will make for slick commutes and reduced visibility.
Saturday brings another chance of snow, paired with highs barely reaching 14°F and wind chills near zero. By Saturday night, the low could fall to 0°F, ushering in one of the coldest mornings of December so far.
Drivers should plan for icy patches, particularly in shaded areas and on elevated roadways, where refreezing is likely. Pedestrians can also expect crunching frost and biting winds off Lake Michigan as the cold front tightens its grip.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 11–15):
- Friday: Cloudy, high 31°F, 30% snow chance.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 14°F, low 0°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 12°F, low 4°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 24°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 34°F.
