Sunday, February 1, Chicago stepped out into clear but biting air this morning, with temperatures near 12F at Midway and a light southerly breeze to rub it in. Mostly sunny skies are on tap today with a high near 27F before readings ease back into the low 20s by late afternoon. South-southwest winds of 5 to 15 mph could leave the lakefront feeling even colder than the numbers suggest.
Light Snow Late Sunday
Snow is likely after 9 p.m. Sunday, February 1, continuing into the early hours of Monday, February 2. Forecasters put the chance of measurable snow near 60 percent, with new accumulation staying under a half-inch for most spots. The band is expected to be light and scattered, so totals will usually be only a few tenths of an inch and will mainly create slick patches instead of serious travel problems. This outlook comes from NWS Chicago.
What To Expect For The Commute
Most neighborhoods will see only light, nuisance-level snow, but even small amounts could make untreated roads and overpasses slick for the Monday morning commute on February 2, 2026. Visibility may briefly dip during occasional heavier bursts, so overnight and early-morning travelers should build in extra time and watch for icy bridges, ramps, and side streets. Airports may pick up a few tenths of an inch at times; check with your airline if you're traveling overnight.
River Ice And Safety
The National Weather Service hydrology team reports that a few ice jams remain on area rivers and that isolated jams could still develop as temperatures bounce around, though no widespread flooding is anticipated. Residents near rivers or low-lying spots should stay tuned to local updates and avoid walking on river ice.
Looking Ahead
Temperatures are expected to trend milder later in the week, with highs approaching or topping freezing by Thursday into Friday, February 56, which would mark the first sustained thaw for many neighborhoods in roughly three weeks. That warm-up could bring a higher chance of mixed precipitation late in the week, so keep an eye on forecasts if you have outdoor plans. Similar near-term warming trends are noted by the Chicago Sun-Times.
