Chicago Weather Forecast: Freezing Fog and Snow Expected
Introduction to the Weather Conditions
Patchy, freezing fog over parts of the Chicago area Tuesday morning could lead to “rapid visibility changes and slick spots” for the rush hour commute, the National Weather Service said.
The fog and slippery conditions come hours after officials across the state warned drivers to slow down following another bout of snow Monday night, leading to ground stops and hundreds of canceled flights at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports.
Road Conditions and Weather Warnings
Early Tuesday morning, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Getting Around Illinois” road conditions map showed roads across the entire Chicago area were either partly or mostly covered with ice or snow.
According to the NWS, the freezing fog with visibility of half-a-mile or less was expected to hover over the slick roads through 8 a.m., with counties to the south and west seeing the biggest impacts.
“Keep a safe following distance, use low beams,” the NWS said.
Patchy dense freezing fog has developed over portions of the area overnight, and may persist through daybreak, resulting in visibilities less than a half mile in spots, and may create slippery road conditions. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/fLow5FrPL9
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 2, 2025
Crashes and Road Blocks
Crashes and spin-outs were already blocking some spots, especially on curves, bridges and ramps, NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin said.
On outbound I-57 at Halstead, there was a crash reportedly involving multiple vehicles, Martin said. In Bolingbrook, two right lanes were blocked due to a crash on I-55 and Route 53.
In Aurora, the ramp on I-88 to Orchard was blocked, Martin said, reportedly due to a stalled semi.
“This is what you’re facing out here, especially in the west and southwest suburbs,” Martin said.
Weather Forecast for the Week
After the fog moves out, some sun could peek in, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. But temperatures would remain cold, with a high of 26 degrees.
“That’s well below average,” Roman said. “We should be in the 40s this time of year. The average high is 41 degrees.”
The cold continues midweek, with some flurries passing through Wednesday and temperatures in the 30s. By Wednesday evening, those numbers will drop into the teens and even lower overnight as a cold front brings a “push of arctic air,” the NWS said.
“Sub-zero overnight lows both Wednesday night and Thursday night,” the NWS warned.
Thursday morning, temperatures will be in the single digits, with below-zero readings expected in Chicago’s northern and western suburbs, Roman said. “Feels-like” temperatures will be even lower.
“Windchills Thursday morning in the negative teens,” Roman said. “Maybe even as cold as 20 degrees below zero.”
Such cold temperatures will result in rapid ice formation on area rivers, leading to potential “freeze-up ice jams,” the NWS said.
Our wintry start to December continues this week. Look for a brief moderation in temps on Wednesday. Some light snow on Wednesday will accompany a cold front that will usher in a quick blast of Arctic air late Wednesday night through Thursday night. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/5NtdQDE3hO
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 2, 2025
Long-term Weather Forecast
By Friday, temperatures will be in the 20s, with more snow showers expected late Saturday into Sunday.
The cold and snow comes weeks after the NWS predicted the Chicago area would see a potentially “active” start to December.
“The end of November-start of December is favored to get off to a colder, possibly active start,” the NWS Chicago reported. “For December overall, in a change from most recent Decembers, signs pointing toward a colder start to meteorological winter 2025-26, possibly more active as well.”
The end of November-start of December is favored to get off to a colder, possibly active start. For December overall, in a change from most recent Decembers, signs pointing toward a colder start to meteorological winter 2025-26, possibly more active as well. #ILwx #INwx (1/2) pic.twitter.com/AgaDNyqb9H
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) November 21, 2025
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area is expected to experience freezing fog and snow in the coming days, with temperatures dropping to below-average levels. It is essential for residents to take necessary precautions, such as driving safely and dressing warmly, to stay safe during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather condition in Chicago?
A: The current weather condition in Chicago is patchy, freezing fog with visibility of half-a-mile or less, leading to rapid visibility changes and slick spots.
Q: What is the expected temperature for the week?
A: The expected temperature for the week is cold, with a high of 26 degrees on Tuesday and dropping to single digits by Thursday morning.
Q: Are there any road closures or crashes reported?
A: Yes, there have been reports of crashes and road blocks, especially on curves, bridges, and ramps, due to the slippery conditions.
Q: What is the long-term weather forecast for December?
A: The long-term weather forecast for December predicts a potentially “active” start to the month, with colder temperatures and more snow showers expected.
