The weather in Chicago has thrown a curveball at residents expecting spring, as a mixture of snow and rain hit the area Monday, accompanied by blustery winds and a marked dip in temperature. The forecast predicted "Scattered snow showers before 11pm, then a chance of flurries between 11pm and 1am," according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures throughout the day were expected to fall to around 34 degrees by late afternoon with windy conditions persisting.
Despite the wintry mix, accumulations were projected to be minimal. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman described the snowfall as "No accumulation, but we'll still see snow. Just pesky flakes, flying about," in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago. While April snow isn't unheard of in the region—it averages 1.3 inches of the month—this sudden return of winter-like conditions contrasts with the previous year, which saw only a trace of snow.
The colder weather continued into Tuesday, with an outlook promising more sunshine but highs languishing in the low 40s. The weather service also noted that there was no significant precipitation expected Tuesday night, though there was a slight chance of rain and snow after 1 am. Forecasters are keeping their eyes on the next precipitation opportunity, which is expected to arrive by Wednesday, with Roman also affirming shower chances returning midweek and possibly mixing with snowflakes at times.
As the week progresses, weather conditions are set to improve gradually. According to forecasts, temperatures will ascend, aiming for the 50s and even reaching into the 60s by Sunday. Roman told NBC Chicago, "Temperatures will gradually rise back up as the week continues, Roman said, with highs in the 50s and 60s heading into the weekend."
