Chicago starts Tuesday at about 16°F under mostly cloudy skies, with brisk northwest winds slicing the air and making it feel even harsher. Bundle up, because the city is staring down a quick hit of late-night snow that could glaze roads and churn up the lake by daybreak.
What to Expect Tuesday Night Into Wednesday Morning
A fast-moving clipper is expected to pull snow into the area after 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, continuing into the early hours of Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Most neighborhoods are on track for a light dusting to around one inch, while a few lucky (or unlucky) spots near the lake and some airports could sneak closer to 1–2 inches as the steadiest snow falls overnight.
South–southwest winds will shift and gust up to about 25 mph, which means untreated sidewalks, side streets and ramps may turn slick just in time for the Wednesday morning commute. Boaters and mariners should be aware of a Small Craft Advisory for parts of Lake Michigan, and IFR conditions are possible at area airports during the heaviest bursts of snow, according to the National Weather Service Chicago.
Commute and Safety Tips
Plan on giving yourself extra time for the Wednesday morning drive and assume bridges, overpasses and less-traveled streets are icy until crews can treat and clear them. Ease off the gas, leave plenty of room for plows and salt trucks, and think about moving any early outdoor plans indoors until the slick spots fade.
Flying out in the morning window? Check with your airline for updates, since reduced visibility and brief delays are on the table. If you are headed out on the lake, secure loose gear and hold off on small craft operations until advisories expire.
Late-Week Warm-Up
After the quick midweek hit of snow, temperatures rebound in a big way. Highs climb into the 60s and even locally into the lower 70s by Friday and Saturday, March 20–21, 2026, before a cold front may knock readings back down on Sunday. Anyone banking on a patio weekend or park time should keep an eye on the latest forecast from the National Weather Service Chicago.
