Chicago weather turns wintry again: fresh snow today after weekend storm snarls O’Hare, clobbers roads across Illinois and Michigan

A fast-moving clipper is set to drop another round of snow on the Chicago area and parts of northern Illinois and southeast Michigan today (Monday, December 1), only 24–48 hours after a Thanksgiving weekend storm buried neighborhoods, slowed plows, and produced widespread flight delays and cancellations. Commuters should plan for slippery evening travel, reduced visibility at times, and lingering impacts from compacted snow and ice left by the weekend system.

Weather forecast: snow today and what it means for Chicago weather

Light to moderate snow redevelops this afternoon and continues into tonight, with Chicago snowfall totals of 1–4 inches possible—highest where bands persist during the evening commute. Winds will be lighter than the weekend’s blast, but temperatures remain below freezing long enough for fresh accumulation on untreated surfaces. Another quick burst may brush northwest Indiana overnight before tapering toward daybreak Tuesday.

How much snow is expected?

• City of Chicago & near suburbs: 1–3 inches, locally 4 in heavier bands.

• Far northwest/north central Illinois: 2–4 inches common.

• South suburbs/I-80 corridor: dusting to 2 inches.

• Ann Arbor/Detroit corridor: periodic snow showers, a coating to 2 inches; localized 3 inches under a persistent band.

Road salt will work, but refreeze after sunset is likely where slush remains from the weekend.

Snowfall totals so far: what the weekend storm delivered

The post-Thanksgiving system produced near 8–9 inches in parts of the Chicago metro, with higher neighborhood-to-neighborhood variability under lake-enhanced bands. Pockets of Illinois south and west of the city reported 6–8 inches, while communities near the Wisconsin line and across eastern Iowa and southern Michigan measured similar tallies. Many secondary streets still have compacted, rutted snow that will become slick again with fresh flakes and evening temperatures in the 20s (F).

Travel impact: O’Hare delays, Midway, and American Airlines flight status

Holiday return travel met a wall of weather over the weekend, and the ripple effects continue into today. O’Hare delays eased overnight but remain possible during the afternoon and evening push as de-icing resumes and arrival rates are trimmed during moderate snow. Midway could also see ground delays if visibility drops below approach minimums for a time.

If you’re flying today, check your flight status frequently in the airline app—especially for American Airlines, which carries a large O’Hare schedule—and watch for rolling gate changes that follow de-icing queues. Build extra time for security and plan for longer curbside-to-gate transfers on snowy sidewalks and roads.

Illinois road conditions: what to expect for the evening commute

Interstates and primary arterials were largely cleared after the weekend storm, but shoulders and ramps still hold packed snow and ice. Today’s fresh snowfall will quickly coat these areas again, and plow cycles may lag banded snow. Expect:

• Reduced speeds on I-90/I-94, I-290, and the Kennedy/Dan Ryan corridor during bursts.

• Slick ramps and bridges that freeze first as temps fall through the evening.

• Visibility drops in heavier bands, especially north and northwest suburbs.

If you must drive, slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden lane changes where ruts grab tires.

Ann Arbor weather and Detroit corridor: lighter but still slick

For Ann Arbor, Michigan weather, expect intermittent snow showers today into tonight, generally a coating to 2 inches, locally a touch more if a band parks along US-23 or I-94. Temperatures hover near freezing by day and slip into the 20s overnight, bringing patchy black ice. In metro Detroit, totals look similar, with the main hazards being quick coatings on untreated roads and periodic visibility reductions.

National Weather Service guidance and winter alerts

Winter weather advisories and short-fuse statements are possible this afternoon where banding strengthens. Key messages from forecasters this morning:

• Even “light” events become high impact when they hit the peak commute window over residual snowpack.

• Secondary and residential streets will be the slowest to recover.

• Expect refreeze tonight after plow/salt passes as skies partially clear.

Monitor local alerts on your phone and heed any brief travel advisories if bursty snow sets up over your route.

Planning your day: quick checks before you go

• Work/School: Some districts may announce early dismissals if banding intensifies; check midafternoon.

• Transit: Allow for longer platform waits and slippery stairs; wear traction-friendly footwear.

• Flights: Verify your American Airlines flight status (and any connection) two hours before departure; de-icing queues can reshuffle boarding times.

• Drive time: Assume city trips take 1.5× normal; suburban arterials 2× during the heaviest snow bursts.

• Home: Clear sidewalk edges and curb cuts before evening; a light pre-treatment helps prevent a concrete bond under new snow.

What’s next after today’s snow

Behind tonight’s wave, a colder, drier air mass settles in Tuesday, aiding cleanup and improving runway and roadway conditions. Another weak clipper could brush the lakeshore midweek with flurries, but no major system signals show immediately after today. Use the lull to widen lanes, clear storm drains, and salt high-traffic walkways before the next pattern shift.

Chicago gets another quick hit of accumulating snow right during the evening rush, Illinois roads will be slick where banding persists, and southeast Michigan sees lighter—but still travel-impacting—bursts. Check alerts, leave early, and treat today as a true winter commute.