Chicagoans are facing a stretch of classic Windy City winter weather, as light snowfall continues to make its presence felt across the region. According to the National Weather Service, the city should be prepared for snow likely to begin after 3 pm today, with less than a half-inch of accumulation expected. Temperatures hover near the mid-20s, as wind chill values plunge as low as 1 degree.
The snowy conditions are not quite finished, with a 70% chance of more snow before 9 pm this evening. Despite the ongoing flurries, the total snowfall is predicted to remain under half an inch. This light snow trend is echoed in observations taken at O'Hare, where, according to a FOX 32 Chicago report, despite 21 hours of consistent snowfall, only 0.9 inches were recorded from late Sunday night through Monday evening. As the week progresses, those braving the outdoors can anticipate a progressive increase in cloud cover and light snow accumulations leading up to New Year's Eve.
Looking further ahead, Wednesday will see snow likely after noon, with a high around 32 degrees and gusty conditions that might pose additional challenges for the city's residents. Wednesday night's forecast suggests a 30 percent chance of snow before midnight, with clearing skies and a low of around 12 degrees – the wind chill factor making it feel closer to a biting 1 degree. As Chicagoans count down to 2026, FOX 32 Chicago anticipates the temperature at midnight to potentially drop to the single digits, implying that celebratory spirits may need to contend with some particularly frosty conditions.
For New Year's Day, a partly sunny sky with highs barely reaching into the 20s is on the docket, a stark reminder of winter's grip. While Friday is expected to continue on the colder side, with a high in the mid to upper 20s, there's a slight reprieve on the horizon. The weekend promises a gradual climb with highs around freezing on Saturday, and by Sunday, a modest mid-30s. And finally, Chicago might just hit the 40-degree mark by Monday, offering a hint of relief from the persistent cold snap as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
