Chicagoans are bracing for a potent wintry mix set to descend upon the city midweek, with forecasters predicting a variety of precipitation that will likely impact travel conditions. According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will see a 40 percent chance of snow, primarily after 3 p.m., morphing into an evening of snow, freezing rain, and sleet.
Five Day Forecast: A wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected late Wednesday and Wednesday night, though the degree of icing and associated impacts still remain a bit uncertain. There is a chance for another winter system on Saturday. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/pKMbbWnw38
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 4, 2025
As the day breaks, the NWS foresees a high near 33 degrees with an east wind of 10 to 15 mph and gusts that may reach 20 mph. The weather shift introduces a 90 percent chance of precipitation, and the looming specter of new ice accumulation of less than 0.1 of an inch is possible, synonymous with, snow and sleet coming in at less than a half-inch.
[5:30AM CST 2/4]
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 4, 2025
Latest thinking on expected wintry mix (including freezing rain) in store on Wednesday, developing in aftn & peaking in eve.
At least some travel impacts likely areawide - could include Wed PM commute depending on exact timing of precip onset. #ILwx #INwx (1/3) pic.twitter.com/BhVo9DIg4x
In a statement obtained by NBC Chicago, it was noted that Tuesday should remain dry with a possibility of light flurries. "Don't be surprised if you see a random one passing through," Roman stated, assuring that such flurries would not amount to much. The real concern is Wednesday's evening rush hour when the snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to combine, potentially accumulating into a hazardous glaze.
Adding to mid-week worries, the forecast for the weekend hints at a recurrent episode of wintry conditions. Roman made it clear that the next chance for winter weather arrives Friday night into Saturday morning, with yet another rain-snow-ice mixture developing, "This weekend, we could do it all again," she told NBC Chicago.
