Wintry Weather System Expected to Bring Icy Conditions to Chicago Area
As the week begins, residents of the Chicago area are waking up to patchy fog and drizzle, with the National Weather Service warning of rapidly changing visibility when driving. The NBC 5 Storm Team reports that visibility early Monday morning was lowest in areas to the north and west, including Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Northern Will Counties, where a "special weather statement" was in effect. Conditions are expected to improve by mid-morning, according to the NWS.
Fog and Drizzle
Residents can expect to encounter sharply reduced visibility and rapidly changing visibility when driving in and out of this patchy dense fog, according to the NWS. Temperatures on Monday will range from the upper 30s and low 40s in the north to mid-to-upper 50s in the south, with Kankakee potentially reaching a high of 57 degrees, while Waukegan could only reach a high of 39 degrees.
Wintry Weather System
A significant wintry weather system is expected to bring freezing rain, sleet, and the chance for icy accumulations to the area on Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday morning. The NWS warns that the exact track and strength of the system remain uncertain, but at least some winter weather impacts are likely for many locations. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply behind a cold front this afternoon, with Monday and Tuesday expected to remain dry.
4-Day Outlook
According to an update from the NWS, mild conditions will continue into today, but temps will drop sharply behind a cold front this afternoon. The NWS continues to monitor the increasing potential for icy conditions on Wed, though the degree of icing and impacts is still uncertain. [6:15AM 2/3] 4-Day Outlook: Mild conditions will continue into today, but temps will drop sharply behind a cold front this afternoon. We continue to monitor the increasing potential for icy conditions on Wed, though the degree of icing and impacts is still uncertain. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/RogPeNKH2A — NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 3, 2025
Icy Accumulations
The NWS predicts the highest chance for ice accumulations Wednesday of 0.1 inches or greater is for areas near and north of I-80. While it’s still too early to confidently narrow down the specifics with this system, including the magnitude of impacts, at least some winter weather impacts are likely for many locations.
Colder Temperatures
Temperatures on Tuesday will be in the 30s, with "colder than average" temperatures expected to last for the next couple of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather condition in the Chicago area?
A: As of Monday morning, some areas are experiencing patchy fog and drizzle, with rapidly changing visibility when driving.
Q: Which areas are most affected by the patchy fog and drizzle?
A: Areas to the north and west, including Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Northern Will Counties, are most affected.
Q: What is the expected temperature range for Monday?
A: Temperatures will range from the upper 30s and low 40s in the north to mid-to-upper 50s in the south.
Q: What is the forecast for the wintry weather system?
A: A significant wintry weather system is expected to bring freezing rain, sleet, and the chance for icy accumulations to the area on Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday morning.
