A significant Chicago snow storm is heading toward the city, with forecasts predicting major snow accumulation this week. Residents should prepare for substantial snowfall, which will likely lead to widespread travel disruptions and school closures across the area. This Chicago weather advisory is based on the latest data from meteorological models, indicating a high probability of a severe winter weather event.

This guide will provide a detailed Chicago snowfall prediction, including storm timing, expected accumulation, and potential impacts on daily life. We’ll cover the weekly snow forecast for Chicago, break down regional predictions across Illinois, and offer advice on how to stay safe.

Chicago Snowfall Outlook

A powerful low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy snow to the Midwest, with the Chicago area at the center of the storm. Current models predict a significant winter weather event starting Tuesday evening and lasting through Thursday morning.

This Week’s Snowfall Overview

Here is a snapshot of the weekly snow forecast for Chicago, detailing what to expect as the system moves through.

Key Storm Details

The core of this Midwest winter storm update points to several critical factors:

• Start Time: Snow is expected to begin Tuesday evening, becoming heavier overnight.
• Peak Snowfall: The most intense period will be Wednesday afternoon, with snowfall rates that could make travel extremely difficult.
• High Accumulation: There is potential for over 8 inches of Chicago snow accumulation within a single 24-hour period.
• Hazardous Conditions: Strong northwest winds will likely cause blowing snow, leading to significantly reduced visibility on the roads.
• Cold Temperatures: With temperatures remaining in the teens and low 20s, the snow will stick and accumulate quickly.

Daily Snowfall Forecast

This table outlines the expected daily Chicago snow accumulation totals.

Day	Predicted Snowfall	Accumulation Total
Monday	0-1 inches	0-1 inches
Tuesday	2-3 inches	2-4 inches
Wednesday	6-8 inches	8-12 inches
Thursday	1-2 inches	9-14 inches
Friday	0 inches	9-14 inches
Saturday	0 inches	9-14 inches
Sunday	0 inches	9-14 inches

Understanding the Weather Pattern

A classic setup for heavy snowfall drives this Illinois winter storm forecast. A major low-pressure system developing over the Rockies is pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, which will collide with a mass of Arctic air settling over the Midwest. The jet stream is dipping south, creating a trough that will steer the storm directly toward our region. This strong temperature contrast fuels the storm’s intensification. Lake-enhanced snow could also boost totals, especially in communities in northwestern Indiana.

Regional Illinois Winter Storm Forecast

While Chicago is the focal point, the storm will affect much of Illinois. Here are the snowfall predictions for different areas.

Chicago Metro Area Breakdown

• Cook County: 10-14 inches
• Chicago Downtown: 8-12 inches
• O’Hare Area: 10-14 inches
• North Suburbs: 12-16 inches
• West Suburbs: 9-13 inches
• South Suburbs: 8-11 inches

Northern Illinois

• DuPage County: 11-15 inches
• Lake County: 13-17 inches
• Kane County: 10-14 inches
• McHenry County: 14-18 inches

Central Illinois

• Springfield Area: 4-6 inches
• Peoria Region: 5-8 inches
• Bloomington-Normal: 6-9 inches

Detailed Storm Timing

Understanding the Chicago storm timing is crucial for planning. Here’s a breakdown of when to expect the heaviest snow.

• Tuesday Evening (6 PM – Midnight): Light snow will begin, accumulating 1-2 inches. The evening commute should see minor impacts.
• Wednesday Morning (6 AM – Noon): Snow will become moderate and steady, adding another 2-4 inches. The morning commute will likely see severe disruptions.
• Wednesday Afternoon (Noon – 6 PM): This is the window for the heaviest snowfall, with rates potentially reaching 1-2 inches per hour. Travel is not advised.
• Wednesday Evening (6 PM – Midnight): Snow continues, adding another 2-3 inches. Roads will remain hazardous.
• Thursday Morning (6 AM – Noon): The snow will taper to light flurries, with a final 1-2 inches of accumulation before ending.

Expected Community Impacts

This storm will affect travel, schools, and daily routines across the region.

Chicago School Closures Prediction

With the current forecast, there is an 85% probability of Chicago Public Schools closing on Wednesday. There is also a 60% chance of delays or closures on Thursday. Most suburban districts are expected to announce their plans by Tuesday evening.

Travel Disruptions

• Roads: Expect dangerous driving conditions, especially during the Wednesday commutes. Icy roads under the snow and low visibility from blowing snow are major concerns.
• Air Travel: Significant cancellations and delays are probable at O’Hare and Midway airports on Wednesday, with effects likely lingering into Thursday.
• Public Transit: The CTA and Metra will likely experience delays due to the winter weather in Chicago.

Historical Storm Comparison

This event is poised to be one of Chicago’s more significant February snowstorms. For context, the average snowfall for the entire month of February is 8.9 inches. This single storm is predicted to exceed that. It is likely to rank in the top 15% of February storms on record.
It draws comparisons to similar past events:

• February 2021: 16.2 inches led to a 4-day school closure.
• February 2023: 11.2 inches caused a 3-day school closure.
• January 2022: 9.8 inches resulted in a 2-day closure.

How to Prepare for the Storm

Forecasts are determined using multiple models to build confidence. Currently, confidence in the storm’s occurrence is high (90%), while confidence in exact snowfall totals is slightly lower (70%) as minor shifts in the storm’s track can alter amounts significantly.
Here are some tips to prepare:

• Stock up on essential supplies like food, water, and batteries.
• Have a plan in case of power outages.
• Avoid travel during the peak of the storm on Wednesday.
• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly.

Chicago Snow Forecast FAQ