Chicago Under Winter Storm Watch as Lake-Effect Snow Approaches
Chicago is under a winter storm watch as a lake-effect snow system is forecast to bring the first snowfall of the season to the region beginning Sunday evening, potentially disrupting travel plans during a busy holiday season.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts 7 to 15 inches of snow accumulation across the Chicago area through Tuesday evening, though meteorologist Gino Izzi cautioned that the highly localized nature of lake-effect snow makes precise predictions difficult. “It could be that Lincoln Park is getting an inch and Logan Square is getting a foot,” Izzi said. A minor chance of slushy accumulation – 1 to 2 inches – exists as early as Saturday night, with “intense bands” of snow expected Sunday night into Monday morning.
Temperatures will also plummet, with Saturday night seeing a mix of rain and snow and a low of 28 degrees. Sunday’s high will be in the mid-30s during the Chicago Bears game against the New York Giants, but wind chills are expected to drop into the teens as snow begins to fall. The NWS warns that the snow Sunday night could cause “significant travel impacts” particularly in areas near Lake Michigan. For those planning to fly, this comes on top of existing disruptions; airlines are anticipating cutting 4% of flights this weekend and up to 10% next week due to Federal Aviation Administration airspace restrictions.
As of today, November 9, 2025, FlightAware reports 94 flights canceled at O’Hare International Airport and 17 at Midway Airport for Sunday, with an additional 83 cancellations scheduled for Monday across both airports. The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor conditions closely and prepare for potentially hazardous travel.
Officials are urging residents to stay informed and allow extra travel time, as conditions could change rapidly.
