Chicagoans might want to dig out their winter gear as the city braces for a bout of chilly weather, with the season's first snow possibly on the horizon. According to the National Weather Service, after today's clouds give way to sunshine and a high around 61 degrees, conditions are set to shift. Westerly winds running 10 to 15 mph will gust up to 25 mph. Tonight, the forecast indicates a slight chance of rain with mostly cloudy skies and lows of around 43 degrees.
On Saturday, a rain onset is expected after 3pm, turning to precipitation rates that are 100 percent guaranteed. "Rain, mainly after 3pm," the NWS forecasts for Chicago, with a "new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible." The temperature will hover near 49 degrees, later dropping closer to freezing at night, setting the stage for the first snowfall, which, however, might not accumulate much due to relatively warm ground temperatures.
FOX32 Chicago adds further detail on the wintry expectations. They report the potential "rain will change over to wet snow" on Saturday evening as cold air moves into the region. While significant accumulation is uncertain, "a slushy coating" remains within the realm of possibilities for the greater Chicagoland area.
The weather forecast for Sunday takes a turn, with a 40 percent chance of snow expected, aided by gusty northwestern winds, and highs barely reaching the mid-30s. By Sunday night and into Monday, Chicago could see more snow, potentially affecting morning commutes. Temperatures are set to warm slightly, starting on Veterans Day, with highs reaching the mid-40s under mostly sunny skies, continuing the trend through the week with temperatures rising to the low 50s.
As Chicago prepares for this weather shift, residents should stay informed through local forecasts and plan accordingly for any travel disruptions. Although snowfall is not guaranteed to be substantial, the presence of lake-effect snow and the onset of the coldest air this season suggest that winter's touch is indeed close at hand.
