The National Weather Service says the region thus far nearly tied the snow total for 2024, when 17.6 inches fell. In 1978, the Chicago area saw 24 inches of snow drop by Dec. 7. A warm-up happens the next several days.

More light snow and strong winds today lead into a midweek snowfall and dangerously cold arctic air arriving by the weekend.

Overnight Chicago-area snowfall created hazardous road conditions and caused delays at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Sunday.

So far, 17.1 inches of snow has been recorded in Chicago as of Dec. 7. During the entire 2024-25 winter season just 17.6 inches of snow fell in the area. It marks the snowiest start to winter since 1978, according to NWS. That year, 24.1 inches of snow had fallen by Dec. 7.

Another round of light snow arrives late Thursday and continues into Thursday night, once again bringing the potential for slippery travel. A third wave of snow moves in Saturday, adding to the hazards on area roads.

Chicago has now seen more than 17 inches of snow this winter season — the quickest accumulation since 1978, according to the National Weather Service.

The multiple chances for snow throughout the week and weekend could lead to as much as five inches of snow by Sunday, forecast models showed.

With temperatures rising above freezing today and this evening, most of the precipitation will fall as rain, but there is concern in the north-northwest suburbs for freezing rain and a glaze of ice where it'll take longer for ground temperatures to warm above freezing.

Parts of Illinois will continue to be hit by snow and wind this week, with some expected to get up to four inches of accumulation. Here's the forecast.