Chicago Braces for 2 Snow Events Before Warmer Temperatures Arrive

The city will see a brief respite from the cold, but not without some wintry weather first.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:55am

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Chicago is set to experience two rounds of snow this week before a warmup arrives, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team. Temperatures will rise into the 30s on Thursday, but the warmer weather will be accompanied by light snow that could impact the morning commutes on both Thursday and Friday. After the snow, temperatures are expected to drop back down slightly over the weekend before climbing into the upper 30s to low 40s next week.

Why it matters

Chicago has been experiencing an extended streak of frigid weather, so the upcoming warmup will provide some relief for residents. However, the snow events could still cause disruptions to daily routines and travel in the city.

The details

The first snow system is expected to bring widespread snow to the Chicago area early Thursday through at least 1 p.m. A second system is then forecast to arrive early Friday around 7 a.m. In total, the Chicago area, especially near the lakefront, could see 1-2 inches of snow from these two systems.

  • The first snow system is expected to arrive early Thursday and last through at least 1 p.m.
  • The second snow system is expected to arrive early Friday around 7 a.m.

The players

Alicia Roman

NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist

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What they’re saying

“You'll feel the change starting tomorrow,”

— Alicia Roman, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist (NBC 5)

What’s next

Temperatures are expected to drop back down slightly into the 20s over the weekend before climbing into the upper 30s to low 40s next week.

The takeaway

While Chicago residents will get a brief respite from the cold with temperatures rising into the 30s on Thursday, the warmer weather will come with the risk of disruptive snow events that could impact the morning commutes on both Thursday and Friday.