Chicago woke Friday to a damp, chilly setup, with rain and snow expected through the morning before the city settles into a mostly rainy afternoon. Temperatures should hover in the upper 30s, while north-northwest winds around 15 mph may gust to 25 mph and make the commute feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Morning Mix Could Make Roads Slushy
Rain and snow are likely through the morning, with precipitation chances near 100% across the day. In Chicago proper, temperatures staying above freezing should limit widespread pavement accumulation, but heavier bursts could create brief slick spots while slush builds on grassy, elevated and untreated surfaces.
Heavier Snow Threat Sits South And East Of Chicago
The most significant snow concerns are focused near southeastern Cook County, eastern Will County and western Lake County, where a general 2 to 4 inches is possible and locally higher totals cannot be ruled out if heavy snow bands linger. The National Weather Service Chicago has a Winter Weather Advisory posted through noon Friday for parts of the surrounding metro area, while warmer ground temperatures should keep impacts more localized in the city.
Rain Takes Over Before A Sunny Weekend
Friday afternoon should stay cloudy and rainy, with a high near 39 degrees, followed by another chance of rain and snow Friday night as temperatures fall to around 34. The updated forecast is a sharper turn from the earlier outlook summarized by Hoodline, adding a more persistent lake-effect threat and the possibility of slushy accumulation.
Saturday brings a welcome reset with mostly sunny skies and a high near 46, followed by sunny conditions Sunday and a high near 48. The warming trend continues next week, with highs near 49 Monday, 51 Tuesday, 54 Wednesday and 58 Thursday.
Friday Travel Calls For A Little Extra Time
Drivers and pedestrians should watch for changing conditions during the morning mix, especially on bridges, ramps and untreated sidewalks. Winds ease overnight, but another round of rain and snow remains possible Friday evening before the weather finally quiets down for the weekend.
