Light Snow Expected in Chicago This Weekend

Clipper system to bring brief wintry weather before warmer temperatures return

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Chicago area is expected to see some light snow showers on Sunday as a clipper system moves through the region. While the snow is not expected to accumulate much, it could lead to minor visibility issues. Temperatures are forecast to warm up after the system passes, with partly sunny skies and highs in the mid-to-upper 20s expected for the early part of next week.

Why it matters

Chicago residents are accustomed to dealing with winter weather, but even light snow events can impact travel and daily routines. This clipper system is a relatively minor weather event, but it serves as a reminder that winter is still in full force in the Midwest.

The details

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, the light snow is expected to arrive in the Chicago area on Sunday evening as a clipper system moves through the region. While snowfall accumulations are expected to be less than an inch, the snow could lead to some visibility issues on the roads. After the system passes, temperatures are forecast to warm up, with highs in the mid-to-upper 20s and partly sunny skies expected for Monday and Tuesday.

  • The light snow is expected to arrive in the Chicago area on Sunday evening.
  • The snow is expected to taper off by Monday morning.
  • Temperatures are forecast to warm up, with highs in the mid-to-upper 20s and partly sunny skies expected for Monday and Tuesday.

The players

NBC 5 Storm Team

The weather forecasting team at NBC 5 in Chicago, who provided the details on the upcoming weather system.

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What they’re saying

“After sunset on Sunday, a clipper system is expected to arrive in the area, but any snow that falls will be light and scattered in nature, with minor visibility issues possible but scant accumulation expected, with less than an inch of snow falling Sunday night and into Monday morning.”

— NBC 5 Storm Team (nbcchicago.com)

The takeaway

While this weekend's light snow event is relatively minor, it serves as a reminder that winter weather is still a factor for Chicago residents. The city's residents are well-equipped to handle these types of weather systems, but they can still impact daily routines and travel. The warming temperatures expected early next week will provide a welcome respite from the wintry conditions.