Chicago Weather Forecast: Rainy and Foggy Day with Possibility of First Snow
The Chicago-area forecast is calling for a rainy and foggy day on Monday, with waves of showers and mild temperatures before the possibility of the season’s first snowflakes later in the week.
Foggy Morning Commute
Monday started out with a dense fog advisory for areas to the north, including Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, and Kane Counties in Illinois, along with Northern LaPorte County in Indiana, and Kenosha County in Wisconsin. Visibility in those parts was a quarter mile or less, with the National Weather Service warning of slow travel and caution while driving.
Rainy Afternoon and Evening
Around 8 a.m., sprinkles were set to start moving in, with more widespread rain expected by around 12 p.m. Showers are expected to last through the afternoon and into the evening, with some pockets of moderate rain at times. Between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., a break in the rain could occur, but more showers are expected to move in late Monday and overnight, with wet weather lasting through mid-morning Tuesday.
Above-Average Temperatures
Accompanying the rain will be above-average temperatures, with Monday’s high temperature expected to hit 58 degrees, about nine degrees above the average high temperature for this time of year. Tuesday is expected to be even warmer, with highs in the low 60s, before temperatures gradually fall.
First Snow of the Season
After the rain, colder air moves in, bringing the chance for the first snow of the season. More rain is expected to develop Wednesday into Thursday, accompanied by colder temperatures. By late Wednesday into Thursday, a rain and snow mix could form, with high temperatures later Thursday expected to hit 42 degrees. "We’ll just have to watch the Thursday morning commute," said NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, "because just a little bit of snow — even just one tenth of an inch — could cause trouble for you."
When Does Chicago Typically See Its First Snow?
The Chicago area typically sees its first trace of snow on October 31. The area’s first measurable snow — 0.1 of an inch or more — usually comes on November 18, with the area’s first average snow of one inch or more typically occurring on December 7.
Conclusion
The Chicago-area weather forecast is calling for a rainy and foggy day on Monday, with a possibility of the season’s first snowflakes later in the week. Make sure to plan ahead for a slow morning commute and use caution while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What areas are under a dense fog advisory?
A: Areas under a dense fog advisory include Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, and Kane Counties in Illinois, along with Northern LaPorte County in Indiana, and Kenosha County in Wisconsin.
Q: When can I expect the rain to start?
A: Sprinkles are expected to start around 8 a.m., with more widespread rain expected by around 12 p.m.
Q: What temperatures can I expect on Monday?
A: Monday’s high temperature is expected to hit 58 degrees, about nine degrees above the average high temperature for this time of year.
Q: When can I expect the first snow of the season?
A: The first snow of the season is expected to move in after the rain, with a possibility of a rain and snow mix by late Wednesday into Thursday.
