Chicago Braces for Potential Lake-Effect Snow Event

Up to 6 inches of snow expected late this week

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47am

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A potential lake-effect snow event is forecasted to hit the Chicago area this Friday and Saturday, with some areas at risk of receiving more than 6 inches of snow. Bitter cold temperatures and wind chills will continue through the week, with highs only reaching the teens.

Why it matters

Lake-effect snow can significantly impact travel and daily life in the Chicago region, especially with the potential for heavy accumulations. This event comes on the heels of an already cold and snowy winter, raising concerns about the strain on local infrastructure and resources.

The details

According to Fox Chicago Meteorologist Mike Caplan, the lake-effect snow is expected to develop on Friday and continue into Saturday. While the exact location and duration of the snow band is still uncertain, the potential exists for parts of the Chicago viewing area to receive more than 6 inches of snow. Temperatures over the weekend are forecast to be in the low to mid 20s, with another clipper system expected to bring additional snowfall on Sunday night and Monday.

  • As of 4 a.m. this morning, temperatures are around zero with wind chill values between -10 and -18 degrees.
  • Highs today and through midweek will stay in the teens, with partly sunny skies.
  • The prime time for the lake-effect snow event will be Friday and Saturday.
  • Temperatures over the weekend will be in the low to mid 20s.
  • Another clipper system is expected to bring additional snowfall on Sunday night and Monday.

The players

Mike Caplan

A Fox Chicago Meteorologist who provided the information for this weather report.

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What they’re saying

“It does appear to me that the lake-effect snow band will not sit in one location for a particularly long time. That might have some limiting impact on the overall snowfall totals in any given area.”

— Mike Caplan, Fox Chicago Meteorologist (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This potential lake-effect snow event highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces with extreme winter weather, underscoring the need for the city and its residents to be prepared for significant snowfall and its impacts on transportation, infrastructure, and daily life.