Chicago residents are bracing for a snowy conclusion to 2025, with weather forecasts predicting snow conditions throughout December 31st. According to the National Weather Service, snowfall is very likely before 2pm today, and it may continue intermittently into the evening hours, potentially mixing with rain. The daytime accumulation is not expected to exceed half an inch.
Last night, O’Hare Airport reported an unexpected 1.6 inches of snowfall, and although the skies cleared this morning, the City anticipates new snowfall this afternoon. "The snow has moved away this morning, but an additional round of snow is on the way to close out the year," was detailed by FOX 32 Chicago. Driving conditions are expected to be optimal due to rising temperatures and the efficacy of road salt at these temperatures.
Late evening temperatures are forecast to plummet, brought down by a cold front, with midnight wind chills potentially reaching near zero. Moving into the first day of the new year, the weather prediction points towards mostly cloudy skies with biting cold, where highs might struggle to rise above 20 degrees in the northern parts of Chicago, as per the FOX 32 Chicago report.
Looking further ahead, Friday is slated to be slightly less chilly with highs reaching into the mid to upper 20s. The FOX 32 Chicago outlook suggests a "rather quiet weather pattern" will carry into the next week, with daily temperature increases. By the time Sunday rolls around, mid 30s are on the table, and the early part of next week might even witness temperatures topping 40 degrees.
Chicagoans planning to attend the Bears game on Sunday can expect moderately warmer conditions, with mid 30s predicted for the day, offering a small reprieve from the New Year's chill. This gradual warming trend gives hope for a mild start to 2026, as residents navigate the tail end of the holiday season and march into the new year. Despite the current snow and the cold, the city is on track for a thaw as the first week of January progresses.
