Snow And Dangerous Cold Is Coming To Northern Illinois This Week

Just keep saying to yourself "Someday it will be warm again" over and over to keep yourself sane during this crazy cold weather period we're currently dealing with. Since we're still in the month of January, you know that winter isn’t ready to loosen its grip on Northern Illinois just yet.

A new round of snow and dangerously cold air is forecast to impact much of the region this week, from the Stateline all the way through the Rockford area and down toward the Interstate‑80 corridor, bringing with it hazardous travel conditions and bitter temperatures in the days ahead.

According to multiple weather sources, the next round of accumulating snow is expected to begin tonight, especially near and north of Interstate 80. The National Weather Service (NWS) notes that snowfall could continue into the Wednesday morning commute, with totals near 2-5 inches possible in areas north of I‑80, including Rockford, Winnebago County and points toward Wisconsin. Roads that haven’t been treated or cleared could become slick and hazardous, so drivers should plan extra time or consider rescheduling travel if possible.

But Wait, There's More (Including Some Serious Cold Conditions)

There’s also a chance of additional snow Wednesday evening that could again affect road conditions late in the day. Strong winds accompanying these systems may cause some blowing snow, reducing visibility on highways including I‑39 and U.S. 20 in and out of Rockford.

But the drama doesn’t end with snow.

A frigid Arctic front is expected to sweep through late Thursday night, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures heading into the weekend. Weather models suggest daytime highs could be sub-zero on Friday, with overnight lows keeping well below zero and wind chills near -30°F or colder in many parts of Northern Illinois.

These kinds of conditions aren’t just uncomfortable, they're seriously dangerous. Frostbite can occur in minutes on exposed skin, and extremely cold temps put added stress on pets, pipes, and vehicles.

Let's be careful out there.