Chicago is bracing for a day of wet and windy weather. A forecast update from the National Weather Service shows that residents can expect rain turning to snow as the day progresses, with temperatures peaking at 50 degrees by mid-morning before they plunge to the mid-thirties in the afternoon. To make matters more challenging, strong winds from the northwest are anticipated, potentially gusting as high as 40 mph.
Preparing for another wet commute, the National Weather Service warned commuters of the conditions early today, with rain and drizzle already affecting the Chicago area, according to NBC 5 Chicago. The NBC 5 Storm Team reported that high winds would accompany the light snow expected around 3 p.m., with suggestions that a wind advisory might be necessary around 2 p.m. due to gusts that could top 45 mph.
With falling temperatures following the morning rain, "very light snow" is predicted by NBC 5 meteorologist Alicia Roman. "But we could see a coating; maybe upwards of half-an-inch to an inch," Roman told NBC 5 Chicago. As the snow falls, the winds are set to pick up, prompting the National Weather Service to issue cautions about the potential for downed tree limbs and power outages as the evening approaches.
In addition to the falling snow, driving might be complicated by the strong winds, which, according to the National Weather Service, "can make driving difficult," particularly between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. this evening. Despite the tumultuous weather to come, the outlook for Thursday appears to be sunny, albeit colder with highs in the low 40s, NBC 5 Chicago adds, before another spring system brings fresh chances of rain and snow as Friday rolls around.
Looking forward to the weekend, the weather is expected to mellow somewhat, with temperatures predicted to rise steadily. By next week, Chicagoans might enjoy more pleasant days with highs approaching 60 degrees, bringing a bit of relief after a spell of bracing wind and snow.
