Chicago Faces Urgent Fog Advisory and Major Temperature Drop

UPDATE: Chicago is bracing for severe weather as a dense fog advisory has been issued for several counties, including DeKalb, Kane, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee in Illinois, along with Newton County in Indiana. The advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. today, with visibility plummeting to below a quarter mile in affected areas, particularly north of I-80.

Travelers are facing hazardous conditions during this post-Christmas rush, with reports of reduced visibility along I-294 at Balmoral. According to NBC Chicago, officials urge, “If on the road this morning, slow down and be alert for sudden visibility changes.”

As we move into the weekend, Chicagoans can expect continued gloomy weather, with additional fog anticipated Saturday morning. Today’s mild highs near 48°F and spotty showers provide a brief respite from winter, but meteorologist Iisha Scott warns that this warm spell is fleeting.

A sharp temperature drop is on the horizon for Monday, when highs will struggle to reach a frigid 24°F. Snow showers may also develop early Monday, with potential accumulation as New Year’s Eve approaches.

Forecasts indicate mostly cloudy conditions for the remainder of the week, with temperatures hovering in the 20s and 30s. Residents are advised to prepare for snow showers before midnight on January 1, 2024, and a chilling low of around 13°F expected Wednesday night.

With the harsh cold set to continue, the New Year celebrations may be impacted as temperatures remain low, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for these rapidly changing weather conditions.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.