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Chicago Starts 2026 in a Deep Freeze as Brief Snow Clips Northern Suburbs

Forecasters expect a quick rebound to milder conditions following a brief, localized snow.

Overview

  • Temperatures dropped into the teens Thursday night with wind chills near zero, and some northern suburbs registered single-digit feels-like readings.
  • A narrow band delivered only a light dusting near the Wisconsin state line in McHenry and Lake counties, while most of the region saw little to no accumulation.
  • The quick-moving system shifted east by Friday evening and no longer affected the Chicago area.
  • Temperatures are forecast to rise gradually through the weekend, reaching about 26 degrees Saturday and near freezing Sunday, with increasing clouds.
  • A brief chance of mixed precipitation is possible late Sunday night, followed by highs climbing into the 40s early next week.