Chicago Endures Frigid Temperatures and Lake-Effect Snow

Wind chills dip below zero as lake-effect snow shifts south, but conditions expected to improve over the weekend.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:31pm

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Chicagoans faced another bitterly cold day with wind chills dipping below zero and lake-effect snow impacting parts of the region. While a winter storm warning was downgraded to a weather advisory, the snow threat remained, especially in areas near the southern end of Lake Michigan. Forecasters expect gradual improvement over the weekend, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper 20s by Sunday.

Why it matters

Extreme winter weather can significantly disrupt daily life in the Chicago area, impacting transportation, school closures, and overall public safety. The region's proximity to Lake Michigan also makes it prone to lake-effect snow, which can create hazardous driving conditions.

The details

Early Friday, wind chills fell to as low as 6 degrees below zero in parts of the Chicago area, with actual temperatures hovering near 12 degrees and northwest winds around 13 mph. The National Weather Service downgraded Cook County from a winter storm warning to a weather advisory, indicating the primary snow threat was shifting south along Lake Michigan. However, radar showed bands of lake-effect snow continuing to push southward, with a secondary round of snow possible early Saturday before tapering off.

  • Early Friday, wind chills fell to minus 3 degrees at O'Hare and minus 4 in Rockford.
  • Actual temperatures in Chicago hovered near 12 degrees on Friday.
  • Forecasters expect wind chills to stay below zero overnight and into early Saturday.
  • Daytime highs are expected to reach the mid-20s on Saturday, with some lingering snow showers.
  • Highs are forecast to reach the upper 20s to near 30 by Sunday and Monday, along with some sunshine.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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The takeaway

This extreme winter weather highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the Chicago area, as residents must contend with the challenges posed by lake-effect snow and subzero wind chills on a regular basis during the winter months.