A dense fog advisory was in place for various counties in the Chicago area on a Thursday morning, leading to visibility issues and potentially dangerous driving conditions. The National Weather Service had issued the warning for Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Central Cook, Kendall, Grundy, and Northern Will Counties in Illinois, as well as Lake County in Indiana until 7 a.m.
“Be prepared for sudden changes in visibility and potential impacts on the early morning commute,” the NWS cautioned.
The fog had settled over northeast Illinois and was anticipated to linger until sunrise, which was estimated to occur between 6-7 a.m. CST. The NWS advised residents to brace for visibility fluctuations and potential commuting challenges during the foggy conditions.
As the morning progressed, conditions were projected to improve. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman shared insights on the day’s weather outlook. Roman forecasted cooler temperatures for Thursday, with highs expected to reach the mid-40s. Additionally, she mentioned that winds were set to intensify throughout the day, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. There was a possibility of isolated showers later in the afternoon, as per Roman’s prediction.
Looking ahead, Roman anticipated warmer weather for Friday, with temperatures climbing into the 50s and potentially hitting 60 degrees. However, she cautioned that strong winds would persist, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour at times. Roman also mentioned the likelihood of a spotty shower making its way in on Friday night.
“Warmest day of the week is Friday,” Roman remarked. “A great way to end Meteorological winter and the month of February.”
The weekend forecast painted a different picture, with considerably cooler temperatures expected on Saturday and Sunday. Roman indicated that highs would reach the low 30s on Saturday and the mid-30s on Sunday, signifying a significant drop in temperatures.
“Turning a lot colder,” Roman noted regarding the upcoming weekend weather.
While Saturday carried the potential for snow flurries in Northwest Indiana, Roman assured that Northeastern Illinois was likely to remain dry amid the cooler temperatures.
As the weekend approached, the weather patterns continued to shift, offering a mix of cooler temperatures, potential snow flurries, and gusty winds. Residents were advised to stay informed on the evolving weather conditions to ensure they were prepared for any changes that might impact their plans.