Winter has returned with a vengeance across the Chicago region, as residents woke up on Monday, February 23, 2026, to biting cold, swirling snow, and warnings of hazardous travel. The latest round of lake-effect snow is just the most recent chapter in a season that has already delivered dramatic swings—from record-setting snowfalls to stretches of relative calm.
According to ABC7 and NBC 5, a stubborn band of lake-effect snow barreled into Northwest Indiana early Monday, threatening to dump two to four inches in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Porter County, in effect until 6 p.m., and for LaPorte County until noon, warning commuters to brace for treacherous roads. "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will be slick and hazardous in spots," the advisory cautioned, adding, "The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Monday morning commute."
ABC7 Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez explained that the snow band was expected to move into Northwest Indiana between 7 and 8 a.m., with the heaviest accumulation likely from 7 a.m. to noon. Meanwhile, the Illinois lakefront remained under a thick blanket of clouds, though other areas saw a fleeting mix of sun and clouds—a brief respite from the relentless gray of winter.
But snow wasn’t the only weather story. As the NBC 5 Storm Team reported, wind chill temperatures across the Chicago area plunged into the single digits on Monday morning. Gusts topping 30 miles per hour whipped up the freshly fallen snow, creating blowing and drifting conditions that further complicated travel. "Untreated roads will likely be snow-covered and slippery, making for hazardous travel conditions," the NWS noted.
For many Chicagoans, this latest blast of winter brought back memories of the season’s earlier storms. Just a few months prior, on November 29 and 30, 2025, Chicago and its suburbs were blanketed by more than eight inches of snow—a rare event that transformed the city into a wintry wonderland. Photos from the Chicago Tribune captured scenes of children sledding in Centennial Park and Barrie Park, people trudging through flurries along North Michigan Avenue, and families building snowmen in Grant Park. Even the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park wore a frosty coat, while skaters glided across the city’s outdoor rinks.
The 2025-26 snow season, which runs from July through the following June, has already proven unpredictable. According to the National Weather Service, Chicago typically expects 38.4 inches of snow each season. Yet the previous year, 2024-25, saw a paltry 17.6 inches—less than half the norm. For perspective, the city’s snowiest season on record was 1978-79, when a staggering 89.7 inches fell, while the least snowy was 1920-21, with just 9.8 inches. This year, the city is already on pace to surpass last year’s total, thanks in part to November’s early blast and the persistent lake-effect events since.
Winter’s grip, however, extends far beyond Chicago. NBC 5 reported that while the Midwest shivered, parts of the Northeast braced for even more extreme conditions. Blizzard and winter storm warnings were in effect across Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, where some areas could see as much as two feet of snow. While Chicagoans bundled up against single-digit wind chills, their neighbors to the east faced the daunting prospect of digging out from historic accumulations.
Back in the Windy City, Monday’s forecast called for continued cold, with highs struggling to break out of the 20s and 30s. Meteorologist Alicia Roman of NBC 5 predicted a slight warm-up on Tuesday, with milder air pushing in before another cold front sweeps through, possibly bringing flurries to the far northern counties. "We go back up with our temperatures before we go back down again," Roman remarked, hinting at the roller-coaster ride that is a Chicago winter.
The rest of the week promises more of the same. Additional chances for snow are expected from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, though temperatures could climb into the 40s as the weekend approaches. For now, though, the focus remains on navigating the immediate hazards—slick roads, reduced visibility, and the ever-present risk of sudden whiteouts as snow squalls roll in from the lake.
For residents, these conditions are both a challenge and a rite of passage. The Chicago Tribune chronicled how locals make the most of the snow, from children lining up to sled down hills in Oak Park to restaurant workers braving the cold to decorate storefronts for the holidays. Even as snowplows worked overtime to clear DuSable Lake Shore Drive, intrepid cyclists and runners could be seen forging ahead through the slush, undeterred by the weather.
Yet, as history shows, Chicagoans are nothing if not resilient. The city’s archives are filled with tales of epic blizzards, record-breaking cold snaps, and the unique traditions that have sprung up in response—like the annual winter parking ban that takes effect each December, or the creative ways residents mark snowy holidays from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day. This year’s snowy start has already joined the ranks of memorable winters past, inspiring both awe and a touch of exasperation.
Looking ahead, city officials and meteorologists alike urge caution. With more snow possible and temperatures set to fluctuate, the risk of icy roads and sudden storms remains high. The National Weather Service continues to monitor conditions closely, providing updates and advisories as needed. For now, the best advice is simple: slow down, bundle up, and keep an eye on the forecast.
As Chicagoans dig out once again and brace for whatever winter throws their way next, one thing is certain—the city’s relationship with snow is as enduring as ever, equal parts inconvenience and inspiration. Whether it’s a morning commute slowed by icy bridges or a spontaneous snowball fight in Grant Park, winter in Chicago is never boring. And as the flakes keep falling, the city’s spirit remains unshaken, ready for whatever comes next.