Chicago-Area Drivers Face Morning Delays as Dense Fog Covers Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – Drivers across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana faced hazardous conditions Friday morning as dense fog blanketed parts of the region, reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile in some areas.

National Weather Service Advisory

The National Weather Service in Chicago reported that fog developed early Friday and is expected to linger through 10 a.m. CDT, particularly in low-lying areas and river valleys outside the city.

Communities near Aurora, Joliet, Ottawa, and Gary experienced some of the worst conditions, with patchy but locally dense fog reported across several counties.

Travel Safety Concerns

Officials cautioned that sudden changes in visibility could occur without warning, especially along highways and rural roads. Drivers were urged to:

• Slow down and reduce speeds
• Increase following distance
• Use low-beam headlights instead of high beams, which can worsen glare in fog

The uneven nature of the fog meant some spots cleared quickly while others remained thick, creating unpredictable travel conditions across the metro region and beyond.

Impact on Chicago Commuters

While the city of Chicago itself saw lighter fog coverage, drivers heading west and south into the suburbs experienced heavier patches, leading to potential delays on morning commutes.

Transportation officials reminded commuters to allow extra travel time and remain vigilant for rapidly shifting visibility through the remainder of the advisory.

As the fog lifts later in the morning, conditions are expected to improve heading into the weekend. For continued coverage of Chicago-area weather alerts, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.