Chicagoans are bracing for a bout of inclement weather as forecasters warn of potential snow accumulation and travel disruptions heading into the weekend. According to the National Weather Service Chicago (NWS), a 40 percent chance of snow looms over the city, starting tonight primarily after 1am. Temperatures will hover around 34 degrees, with east winds picking up to around 10 mph, accompanied by gusts potentially reaching 15 mph. The full weather forecast is available on the National Weather Service's website.

Friday's conditions are expected to ramp up the travel concerns as snow transitions to a rain-snow mix with a 90 percent chance of precipitation. The NWS outlines an "Elevated Snow Risk" in parts of northern Illinois, particularly north of the I-90 corridor, which is predicted to notably affect the morning commute. The detailed outlook stresses that slushy snow accumulation is likely, and travelers should prepare to adjust their plans and drive carefully to combat these hazardous conditions.

Further complicating the forecast, the possibility of thunderstorms was raised for the coming Tuesday, adding another layer of unpredictability to the week's hazardous weather pattern. Meanwhile, the NWS has issued caution for small craft on Lake Michigan from Friday through Monday due to expected hazardous conditions. More information regarding the Hazardous Weather Outlook can be found on the NWS's website.

Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed as the situation unfolds. "Accumulating wet snow will result in significant travel impacts near and north of the WI state line late tonight thru Fri AM," reports the NWS Chicago X page. Officials underscore the need for caution, while also admitting that there's low confidence in pinpointing exactly where the heaviest snowfall will occur. With conditions set to rapidly change, Chicagoans are advised to keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the ground as these unsettled weather patterns move through the region.