Chicago, Illinois – A sharp shift toward colder weather could bring snow back into the Chicago area this weekend after a stretch of mild temperatures and rain late in the workweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, rain is expected to overspread northern Illinois Thursday afternoon and evening, lingering into early Friday before a brief break. As another storm system arrives Saturday, colder air will filter into the region, allowing rain to transition to snow from Saturday night into Sunday.
High temperatures will drop from the 40s and 50s late this week into the mid 30s on Saturday, then fall into the upper 20s to near 30 degrees on Sunday. That temperature drop increases the potential for accumulating snow, especially during the overnight hours and early Sunday morning. While exact snowfall amounts remain uncertain, slick roads could develop quickly if snow overlaps with colder pavement temperatures.
The changeover could impact travel across the Chicago metro, including Interstates 90, 94, 55, and 80, along with suburban and rural roadways. Areas north and west of the city may see snow begin earlier than locations closer to northwest Indiana.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for winter driving conditions, monitor later forecasts, and plan extra travel time this weekend. Additional advisories may be issued as confidence increases in snow coverage and intensity heading into Sunday.
