NBC 5 Chicago - News & Weather Updates
Stay informed with real-time news & personalized weather alerts, featuring extensive coverage of Chicago & local events.

- 8.4.1 Version
- 1.3 Score
- 220K+ Downloads
- Free License
- 3+ Content Rating
The NBC 5 Chicago news and weather application connects users to local news, weather updates, and round-the-clock streaming content. This app is available for free download and usage, providing timely alerts on breaking news and weather conditions specific to Chicago and Illinois, which can be tailored and easily managed within the app's settings.
This application offers continuous news coverage from the award-winning NBC 5 Chicago news team, addressing topics and issues that matter most to residents in the region. The NBC 5 Storm Team provides precise forecasts aimed at keeping app users informed and safe while they're on the move. Users can access an extensive range of information, including a robust weather radar, updates on local traffic, real-time news developments in Chicago and other areas, sports updates, entertainment features, lifestyle articles, business news, and financial insights—all within a single app. The following features are included:
NBC 5 CHICAGO WEATHER NEWS
+ A customizable weather home page with rearrangeable weather modules
+ Enhanced location hub for adding locations and setting weather alerts
+ Live Doppler 5, the station's exclusive weather radar, featuring unique data
+ Ten-day forecasts specifically for your region in Illinois
+ Hourly forecasts with an adjustable graphical representation
+ Weather maps for Chicago, along with storm tracking and radar
+ Forecast details including UV index, air quality, and other real-time weather metrics
+ Alerts specific to every location saved in the app
+ School closure notifications for areas around Chicago
+ Video reports on weather news from local meteorologists
NBC 5 CHICAGO BREAKING NEWS ALERTS
+ Personalizable alerts for local news, national headlines, and international news, all manageable in the app settings
+ Daily top news highlights covering breaking events, political news, important recalls, unusual stories, and positive news items
+ A latest news feed displaying articles and videos in reverse chronological order
+ An alerts center presenting the most urgent stories of the day that may have been missed if push notifications were not accessed
+ A trending section for exploring noteworthy local news and pop culture topics
NBC CHICAGO NEWS 24/7 STREAMING CHANNEL
+ A free 24/7 streaming service for continuous coverage of local news, weather updates, and special reports anytime, anywhere
+ Live coverage of significant news briefings and urgent events as they occur
+ A dedicated video section with the most recent video updates
+ Entertainment and lifestyle clips provided by Access
NBC CHICAGO INVESTIGATIONS & MORE
+ Investigative journalism from respected local reporters
+ Reports from NBC 5 Responds that assist with consumer issues and reclaiming funds
+ Coverage on business trends, financial topics, and stock market insights sourced from CNBC
+ Updates on entertainment and celebrity news from E! Online and Access
+ Lifestyle segments and entertainment articles from the NBC TODAY show
NBC 5 Chicago is part of NBCUniversal Local Owned Stations, having first broadcast on October 8, 1948, as WNBQ, NBC's third owned television station. In August 1964, it became WMAQ-TV, which stands for "We Must Ask Questions." The team has gained recognition for its comprehensive digital reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. Furthermore, the NBC 5 Storm Team uses Live Doppler 5, their proprietary weather radar, to deliver what they call Chicago’s Most Accurate Forecast, a distinction validated by external verification company Weatherate.
NBC 5 Chicago App: Your Trusted Companion for Local News and Weather
As a longtime resident of Chicago, I’ve found the NBC 5 Chicago app to be an indispensable tool for staying informed about everything happening in and around the city. The app delivers a seamless and highly personalized experience, whether I’m checking hyperlocal weather updates or catching up on breaking news. The customizable weather homepage is particularly impressive—I can rearrange modules to prioritize the information that matters most to me, from hourly forecasts to real-time radar tracking using Live Doppler 5. The accuracy of the weather predictions has proven reliable time and again, helping me plan my days with confidence.
Beyond weather, the app’s news coverage is both comprehensive and timely. The customizable alert system ensures I never miss important developments, whether it’s a traffic update, school closure, or major news event. The 24/7 live streaming feature is a standout—I often tune in during commutes or while getting ready in the morning for continuous coverage without needing a television. The inclusion of investigative reports and consumer-focused segments adds depth, making it more than just a headlines service. With its clean design and intuitive navigation, the app makes it easy to dive into topics ranging from local politics to entertainment. It’s clear that a great deal of thought has gone into creating a tool that truly serves the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I customize the types of notifications I receive?
Yes, the app allows you to fully personalize alerts for weather, news, and other topics through the settings menu. You can enable or disable categories based on your preferences.
Is the live streaming feature available outside of Chicago?
The 24/7 live stream is primarily targeted to viewers in the Chicago area, but it can be accessed anywhere within the United States. Some content may be geographically restricted based on licensing.
How frequently is the weather radar updated?
Live Doppler 5 radar updates in real-time, providing the most current conditions and forecasts. Severe weather alerts are pushed immediately to keep users safe.
Does the app consume a lot of data or storage?
While streaming and downloading content may use data, the app is optimized for performance. You can manage video quality and cache in settings to reduce data usage.
Are there subscription fees for accessing news or weather content?
No, the app is free to download and use. All news, weather, and live streaming features are available without any cost.
Can I use the app on multiple devices?
Yes, you can log into your account across devices. However, streaming may be limited to one device at a time.
How does the “School Closure” feature work?
The app aggregates official announcements from school districts in the Chicago area and sends notifications based on your saved locations.
- Version8.4.1
- UpdateAug 29, 2025
- DeveloperNBCUniversal Media, LLC
- CategoryNews & Magazines
- Requires AndroidAndroid 9+
- Downloads220K+
- Package Namecom.nbcuni.nbcots.nbcchicago.android
- Signature499c0e5dd3019eb34b4f9fa4f88fc1b5
- Available on
- ReportFlag as inappropriate
-
NameSizeDownload
-
87.02 MB
-
77.83 MB
-
76.33 MB
Reliable app with minimal downtime
Timely weather alerts within 5 miles
Quick access to breaking news
Real-time radar for accurate weather tracking
User-friendly for local news access
Saves time by filtering relevant news updates
Good integration with Bluetooth for listening
Easy navigation for essential information
Lack of alert sounds for severe weather
Recent update resulted in too many false alerts
App frequently crashes and has loading issues
Advertisements can obstruct visibility of radar
Difficult to watch recent broadcasts at convenience
Push notifications for unrelated news despite preferences
Performance significantly slows down the device's OS
Missing core features post-update, like temperature on status bar