Chicago is bracing for a weekend of turbulent weather, with frigid temperatures and snowfall predicted to grip the region. As the city woke up to a chilly Valentine’s Day morning, the NBC 5 Storm Team reported subzero temperatures in certain areas, accompanied by wind chills in the teens. The forecast indicates a snowy weekend ahead, setting the stage for potentially hazardous conditions on the streets and roads.
Meteorologist Alicia Roman of NBC 5 shed light on the weather outlook, with temperatures anticipated to hover around the mid-20s for the remainder of the day. Although the morning and early afternoon commutes were expected to remain dry, Roman warned of an approaching snowstorm around 5 p.m. that could disrupt evening plans and lead to challenging travel conditions. “The Friday evening commute could be tricky,” Roman cautioned, hinting at potential travel impacts due to the impending snowfall, as highlighted by the National Weather Service.
Friday Night Snowfall
As dusk approaches on Friday, snow is expected to blanket the Chicago area, especially in counties to the south and west where the snowfall may commence around 2 p.m. The intensity of the snowstorm is likely to increase after 5 p.m., with the NWS cautioning about “bursts of snow” near and north of I-88, potentially accumulating between one to three inches rapidly. This sudden snowfall, coupled with gusty winds, could lead to reduced visibility and treacherous driving conditions, as warned by the NWS.
In southeastern Wisconsin, a winter weather advisory is slated to go into effect in the afternoon, signaling slippery roads and the possibility of two to four inches of snow accumulation. Overnight, another wave of snow is projected to develop, although rising temperatures in southern areas could result in a mix of rain and freezing rain alongside the snowfall.
Saturday’s Wintry Mix
On Saturday, the weather forecast remains dynamic, with snow continuing to fall predominantly in the northern counties where temperatures are expected to linger at or below freezing. Conversely, counties to the south might witness a mix of freezing rain and sleet due to warmer temperatures above the freezing mark. Roman anticipates a snow accumulation of up to four inches in the north by Saturday afternoon, whereas southern regions may receive between one to three inches of snowfall. The day’s temperatures are forecasted to remain in the 30s before a sharp drop on Sunday, with even colder conditions expected on Monday.
As the weekend progresses, Sunday is poised to usher in colder weather, with snowfall persisting and adding to the accumulation in certain areas. Temperatures are projected to plummet into the 20s, setting the stage for an icy Monday with a high of 10 degrees and chilling wind chills, indicating a bitter start to the workweek.
