Dense Fog Advisory in Effect for Chicago: Anticipate Limited Visibility
A dense fog advisory has been issued across the Chicago area on Thursday morning, significantly impacting visibility levels. The National Weather Service has put this advisory in place for several counties to the north and northwest, including Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, and Kendall Counties in Illinois, as well as Kenosha County in Wisconsin. The advisory is set to remain in effect until 10 a.m.
The National Weather Service has warned of “sharply reduced visibility” due to the persistent fog near the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, which is expected to linger into the evening hours. Drivers are urged to exercise caution as low visibility can lead to hazardous road conditions. The NWS recommends reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using low beams while driving under these circumstances.
Drizzly conditions were also experienced on Thursday morning, with the NBC 5 Storm Team forecasting a chance of showers and more drizzle throughout the afternoon and evening. The inclement weather is expected to persist overnight and into Friday, with widespread rain anticipated throughout the day.
### Meteorologist’s Insights:
NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologist Kevin Jeanes has provided valuable insights into the upcoming weather patterns. According to Jeanes, the rainy conditions are likely to continue into the afternoon on Friday, followed by another round of rain showers over the weekend. This pattern is forecasted to extend into Monday night and Tuesday morning, potentially bringing a mix of snow and rain.
Jeanes also shared temperature predictions for the weekend, indicating that warm temperatures will prevail before a notable cool down. Thursday’s temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 40s, with slightly higher temperatures in the low 50s on Friday. The weekend will maintain temperatures in the 40s before transitioning to the 30s and 20s by the following week.
As Jeanes pointed out, despite the days getting shorter following the Winter Solstice, the added daylight hours are a silver lining. With each passing day, we gain approximately 20 seconds of extra daylight, leading to later sunrise and sunset times. Thursday’s sunrise is set for 7:18 a.m., with gradual shifts expected towards early January.
In conclusion, while the dense fog advisory poses challenges for commuters, the upcoming weather changes offer a mix of rain, snow, and varying temperatures. By staying informed and prepared, residents can navigate these weather fluctuations with caution and adaptability.
