Chicago Weather: First Snowflakes of the Season Expected This Weekend
An approaching storm system will bring rain to the Chicago area late Thursday night into early Friday morning.
"Most areas can expect around a quarter inch or less of rain before drying out around daybreak tomorrow," said meteorologist Emily Wahls.
Friday will be mostly pleasant, featuring partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching the lower 60s. Winds from the west could gust up to 30 mph, so residents are encouraged to enjoy the mild conditions while they last.
Weekend Cooldown and First Snow
By Saturday, temperatures will drop significantly, reaching only the upper 40s to around 50 degrees. Rain is expected to begin by late morning or midday and will continue into the afternoon and evening. As temperatures fall after sunset, some rain may transition into the first light snow of the season.
- Little to no accumulation is anticipated.
- Grassy and elevated areas might see slight slush buildup.
Colder Days Ahead
Sunday and Monday will bring sharply colder conditions with highs in the 30s. Lake effect snow showers are possible both days, though forecasters are uncertain about their exact placement and timing. Current models suggest the bulk of the snow activity will occur in Northwest Indiana, with a slight chance of mixed precipitation reaching Northeast Illinois if winds shift northeasterly.
Next Week’s Outlook
Temperatures are expected to moderate starting Tuesday and Wednesday as warmer air moves back into the region.
Author’s summary: Chicago transitions from mild autumn warmth to a sharp temperature drop with a chance for its first light snow by the weekend.