Winter Weather Alert: Snow and Rain Expected in Chicago and Pacific Northwest
The Chicago area typically sees its first measurable snowfall of the season around November 18, but this year, it looks like the first snowflakes of 2024 could arrive earlier than expected.
Snowfall in Chicago
According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, the chance for the first snowflakes of 2024 is expected to arrive later this week. But before that, rain, strong winds, and a nearly 25-degree temperature drop are in the forecast.
"We’re sort of in between fronts," Roman said, as Tuesday started out rainy, windy, and warm, with temperatures in the low 60s. "Colder air moves in this week."
Overnight showers and drizzle were expected to gradually come to an end Tuesday morning, Roman said. Tuesday morning also started off windy, with gusts to 40 miles-per-hour in some parts, Roman said.
Those winds were expected to continue through early Tuesday afternoon before subsiding later in the day, Roman said. By Tuesday afternoon, temperatures were expected to drop into the upper 50s.
40-degree temperatures were in the forecast overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, Roman said, with more showers expected Wednesday morning. Temperatures were expected to stay in the 40s for much of Wednesday, and then dip down into the 30s, Roman said. And that’s when the first flakes of the season could start to trickle in.
"Snowflakes to fall by evening hours Wednesday," Roman said, noting the start time would be around 9 p.m.
Overnight and into Thursday morning, flakes were expected to continue falling, with temperatures in the 20s, Roman said, creating a potentially slick and slippery morning commute.
"Perhaps some bursts of snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning," Roman said.
Scattered snow showers and wet snowflakes could continue to fall Thursday afternoon, Roman said, with precipitation expected to change back to rain Thursday night.
Bomb Cyclone in the Pacific Northwest
Other parts of the country later this week will see stormy weather, with Northern California and the Pacific Northwest bracing for what is expected to be the strongest storm of the season so far.
The Weather Prediction Center issued excessive rainfall risks beginning Tuesday and lasting through Friday as the strongest atmospheric river – long plumes of moisture stretching far over the Pacific Ocean – that California and the Pacific Northwest has seen this season bears down on the region. The storm system has intensified so quickly that it is considered a "bomb cyclone," explained Richard Bann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.
The areas that could see particularly severe rainfall as the large plume of moisture heads toward land will likely stretch from the south of Portland, Oregon, to the north of the San Francisco area, he explained.
"Be aware of the risk of flash flooding at lower elevations and winter storms at higher elevations," he said. "This is going to be an impactful event."
Conclusion
This week, Chicago can expect rain, strong winds, and a temperature drop, followed by the first snowflakes of the season. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest is bracing for a powerful storm system that could bring heavy rain and strong winds.
FAQs
Q: When can we expect the first snowflakes of the season in Chicago?
A: The first snowflakes of the season in Chicago are expected to arrive later this week.
Q: What kind of weather can we expect in Chicago this week?
A: Rain, strong winds, and a temperature drop are expected in Chicago this week, followed by the first snowflakes of the season.
Q: What is a "bomb cyclone"?
A: A "bomb cyclone" is a storm system that has intensified quickly and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.
Q: Where can we expect severe rainfall in the Pacific Northwest?
A: The areas that could see particularly severe rainfall in the Pacific Northwest will likely stretch from the south of Portland, Oregon, to the north of the San Francisco area.
