Chicago Weather Forecast: Blowing Snow and Frigid Temperatures
Blowing snow from winds as high as 35 mph in the Chicago area Tuesday morning could snarl the rush commute, the National Weather Service warned, with poor visibility possible. The most robust could briefly knock down visibilities under 2 miles and result in a light dusting, the NWS said, of the drifting snow and scattered snow showers. Though not everyone across the area will see it, the highest chance of drifting snow was expected in open areas, mainly near and south of I-80.
Isolated to widely scattered snow showers are possible this morning. The most robust could briefly knock down visibilities under 2 miles and result in a light dusting, but not everyone will see snow showers. Blowing and drifting snow are possible in open areas mainly near and south of I-80. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/Dcnt79LxZP— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 27, 2026
The flurries and scattered showers were expected to last through about 9 a.m., the NBC 5 Storm Team said, with additional flurries possible through the afternoon. As of early Tuesday morning, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Getting Around Illinois” winter road conditions map showed many roads across the area partly or even fully covered with ice or snow.
Cold Temperatures Continue
Frigid temperatures will also continue, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. “Right now, it’s 12 degrees in Woodstock, but it feels like 0,” Roman said around 6 a.m. High temperatures were expected to stay in the teens, with winds peaking in the morning but staying strong through the afternoon.
The temperatures are a far cry from the freezing mark of 32 degrees, Roman said, and the average for this time of year, which is 31 degrees. And while the cold is expected to continue through the weekend, “there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Most of our long-range models suggest that temperatures will trend warmer during the first week of February. Now, it won’t feel like the tropics. We’ll take what we can get! pic.twitter.com/2kJb8IzIIk— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 27, 2026
More Sunshine Ahead
Roman also noted that more sunshine was in store for the Chicago area, with Tuesday’s sunset starting at 5 p.m. “The 10 darkest weeks of the year are behind us,” Roman said.
More Snow Possible
The chance for “impactful, accumulating” lake effect snowfall on Thursday is increasing, the NWS said. The potential for snow is expected to build in northwest Indiana, Roman said, with the plume possibly shifting to the west and into northeastern Illinois by Friday.
“We’ll keep a chance for some light snow possible Friday afternoon,” Roman said, though exact locations and how much snow could fall remains uncertain. Temperatures through the week will remain cold, with highs in the teens through the weekend. Scattered snow showers may be observed in parts of NE IL and NW IN this morning. There is also an increasing potential for impactful lake effect snow affecting part of the area in the Thu. night through Sat. time frame. Cold conditions will continue through the week. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/ogdqM6CQTW— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 27, 2026
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area can expect blowing snow and frigid temperatures to continue through the week. While there is a chance for more snow on Thursday and Friday, temperatures are expected to trend warmer during the first week of February. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and road conditions to plan your daily activities accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather forecast for the Chicago area?
A: The current weather forecast for the Chicago area includes blowing snow and frigid temperatures, with a chance for more snow on Thursday and Friday.
Q: How long will the cold temperatures last?
A: The cold temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend, but there is a chance for warmer temperatures during the first week of February.
Q: Are there any road closures or travel advisories in the Chicago area?
A: Yes, many roads across the area are partly or even fully covered with ice or snow. It’s essential to check the latest road conditions before traveling.
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of the week?
A: The forecast for the rest of the week includes a chance for more snow on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures remaining cold. However, there is a chance for warmer temperatures during the first week of February.
