Chicago Braces for Early Winter Weather Conditions

Weather forecasters are anticipating the arrival of early wintry conditions in Chicago, with a mix of rain and snow expected to hit the city this week. According to meteorologists, the first signs of snow could appear as soon as Thursday, although it is likely to be interspersed with rain.

The U.S. National Weather Service in Chicago, Illinois, has indicated that colder and more seasonable weather will take hold midweek, bringing with it the potential for showers. «Colder, more seasonable weather will arrive mid-week with shower chances,» a statement from the service read. Rain is expected to potentially transition into snow on Wednesday night and continue into Thursday morning.

Currently, the forecast predicts Tuesday will feature mild conditions, with temperatures in the mid-60s. However, by Wednesday, the atmosphere will cool significantly, with highs falling into the 40s and lows dipping into the 30s.

While the snowfall is not anticipated to result in significant accumulation, it marks a notable shift in weather patterns. Historically, the first observable snow in the region typically occurs around October 31, yet this year, it has been delayed. The record for the latest first snow was set on December 5, 1999, as per the National Weather Service.

Local meteorologist Emily Wahls reports that the incoming colder airmass will lower temperatures further, with scattered showers beginning Wednesday evening. Initially, this will result in rain, shifting to a rain-snow mix as temperatures decrease. Thursday could witness light snow accumulations, especially on grassy and elevated surfaces, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees throughout the day.

On Friday, while most of the Chicago area is expected to remain cloudy, a few stray showers might occur, accompanied by temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. Predictions suggest the cloudy conditions will persist into the weekend.