Snow Could Snarl Traffic Tuesday, New Year's Eve: National Weather Service

CHICAGO, IL — Drivers heading out this afternoon and evening should be cautious as snowfall in the Chicago area could lead to slippery roadways and hazardous conditions, weather officials say.

The light snowfall is expected to start late Tuesday afternoon and continue into the evening, with up to an inch of accumulation possible, according to the National Weather Service. Drivers should expect reduced visibility, snow on roadways and hazardous road conditions, weather officials say.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time, and check weather conditions before heading out, weather officials say.

Meanwhile, more snow is in the forecast for New Year's Eve and is likely after noon on Wednesday. High wind gusts of up to 30 mph are also predicted, which could impact travel conditions and roadways, according to the National Weather Service.

And as we head into 2026, the Chicago area can expect cold conditions, with high temps between 18 to 25 degrees on New Year's Day and wind chill factors of -5 to -15 degrees.

Here is a closer look at the forecast for the coming days:

• Tuesday: Snow likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 24. West southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Tuesday night: Snow likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 27 by 1am. West northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Wednesday: Snow likely after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 32. Breezy, with a west northwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Wednesday night: A 30 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• New Year's Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 22. West wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
• Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 28.
• Friday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 29.
• Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.
• Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
• Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35.