Weather Update
Tuesday’s Forecast
The lingering cloud cover should continue to burn away Tuesday, giving us some sunshine in the late afternoon with high temperatures reaching the 60s. However, it will continue to be breezy, with wind gusts in the 20-35 MPH range recorded by midday. Temperatures throughout the area were in the mid- to upper-50s, which is warmer than usual for this time of year.
Wednesday’s Forecast
Cloud cover will increase overnight into Wednesday as the next weather system approaches. Temperatures will also drop a bit later Tuesday, down into the upper 50s. Colder air will then arrive on Wednesday, with highs in the upper 40s through the rest of the week.
First Snow of the Season?
Scattered rain and snow showers are possible on Wednesday evening, but the greater chance for snow arrives Thursday morning, when we could see some accumulation in Chicagoland from wet, heavy snow. However, any accumulation will be slow, since the ground is still too warm to accommodate rapid snow accumulation.
Snow Statistics
Chicagoland has not yet seen a trace of snow in 2024, so it’s already later than the normal first trace of snow for the area, which is Oct. 31. If we do get measurable snow this week, that would be just about right in line with the normal first measurable snow date of Nov. 18.
Forecast Summary
Any snow should dissipate by Thursday afternoon, as it’s projected to change over to rain later Thursday into the evening hours. After that, it looks to remain dry through the end of the work week and into the weekend.
Previous Rainfall
Tuesday’s mild conditions follow a damp Monday and significant overnight rain, particularly in the northern counties, with some areas recording up to an inch of rainfall.
Forecast
- TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, morning scattered rain, windy, WSW at 15-25 mph, gusts to 35. High: 62.
- TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, early AM sct’d showers, winds WNW at 5-10 mph, gusts to 20. Low: 42.
- WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, AM sct’d rain, afternoon chance sct’d rain/snow, winds W at 10-20 mph, gusts to 30. High: 47.
Conclusion
The forecast is looking mixed, with a chance of snow on Thursday morning and a gradual transition to rain later in the day. While the ground is still too warm for rapid snow accumulation, it’s still possible we could see some accumulation.
FAQs
Q: When is the normal first trace of snow for the Chicago area?
A: The normal first trace of snow for the Chicago area is October 31.
Q: When is the normal first measurable snow date for the Chicago area?
A: The normal first measurable snow date for the Chicago area is November 18.
Q: Will we see significant snow accumulation on Thursday?
A: It’s possible we could see some accumulation on Thursday, but it will be slow due to the warm ground.
