The Chicago forecast this week will see a little bit of everything, from a brief warm-up to a wintry mix of snow and rain, to a "blast of Arctic air." According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, the weather will be quite unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating greatly over the next few days.
Tuesday started out cold, with temperatures in the teens. In Northwest Indiana and Western Michigan, some snow showers still lingered after a day of winter storm warnings and hazardous driving conditions, with drier weather expected to move in later Tuesday morning. Roman said, "Everyone should see sunshine later today," referring to Tuesday’s forecast across the area.
For the first time in nearly a week, temperatures will be back up in the 30s, Roman said. And though Wednesday’s temperatures will be even warmer, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s, a snow-rain mix is expected to move in Wednesday evening, Roman added.
As temperatures gradually nudge up into Wednesday, a dynamic system will pass over, creating blustery conditions, brief snow showers, and cold temperatures with sub-zero wind chills. Quieter and drier conditions are expected for the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service, some minor snow accumulations are possible. As the front passes through, blustery conditions are expected, with temperatures dropping into the teens by Thursday morning, along with gusty winds up to 45 miles per hour. Those winds will make temperatures feel even colder, with highs in the 20s and wind chills below zero.
"A cold start to the day Thursday," Roman said. "A blast of Arctic air is back in the forecast." Temperatures will rise slightly Friday, with highs in the low 30s and calmer conditions. By the weekend, the Chicago area is expected to hit the 40-degree range, Roman said.
When Does Winter Officially Start?
Meteorological winter started Sunday, Dec. 1, Roman said, with a 7 a.m. sunrise and a 4:19 p.m. sunset. By Dec. 31, sunrise will be 7:18 a.m., Roman said, and sunset will be 4:29 p.m. According to Roman, Meteorological winter runs through February, with spring beginning on March 1.
Unlike the astronomical calendar, which uses the Earth’s position in its orbit around the sun, the meteorological calendar uses the first date of a month to help determine the seasonal change, aiding in record-keeping and other facets of weather prediction. Astronomical winter doesn’t begin until Dec. 21. That day comes on what is known as the winter solstice, which will take place at 3:21 a.m. CST.
What is the Winter Solstice?
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the winter solstice is when the earth is "tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, which means that the Sun’s path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be." "We often think of the winter solstice as an event that spans an entire calendar day, but the solstice actually lasts only a moment. Specifically, it’s the exact moment when a hemisphere is tilted as far away from the Sun as possible," the Almanac reported.
In fact, if you stand outside at noon on the solstice day, you shadow will be "the longest shadow that you’ll cast all year."
What is the Shortest Day of the Year?
The solstice typically falls on either Dec. 21 or Dec. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the "shortest day" of the year, or the day with the least amount of sunlight. This does not, however, mark the earliest sunset. According to Time and Date, that will actually fall earlier in December, when the sun sets at 4:19 p.m. CST on Dec. 13. So why is Dec. 21 shorter? Because sunrise times will also continue getting later throughout the month of December, making for fewer hours of daylight in between.
What Will Winter Look Like for Chicago This Year?
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s latest winter weather outlook for 2024-25, which says a "La Niña" winter is expected, which would ultimately result in a "wetter than normal" winter in the Great Lakes, especially in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. According to Kevin Jeanes, the predictions are a far cry from the Chicago winter of 2023-24 — an El Niño winter — which wound up to be the fourth warmest winter on record.
The winter precipitation outlook for the Chicago area is expected to be above average, Jeanes said. For 2024-25, the big question will be whether or not temperatures will cause that precipitation to fall in the form of rain or snow. According to Jeanes, NOAA predicts "equal chances" of temperatures being above or below average. Across the Northwest, however, a much colder winter is expected, Jeanes noted.
Conclusion
As the winter season approaches, it’s essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and any potential changes that may affect your daily routine. With a mix of snow, rain, and cold temperatures expected in the coming days, it’s crucial to stay prepared and plan accordingly.
FAQs
Q: When does winter officially start in Chicago?
A: Meteorological winter started on December 1, 2024, and will run through February 2025.
Q: What is the winter solstice?
A: The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, typically falling on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.
Q: What is the forecast for winter in Chicago this year?
A: According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, a "La Niña" winter is expected, which would result in a "wetter than normal" winter in the Great Lakes region.
Q: Will it snow in Chicago this winter?
A: Yes, some minor snow accumulations are possible, but the exact amount and timing are still uncertain.
Q: What is the temperature forecast for the weekend?
A: Temperatures are expected to rise slightly, with highs in the low 30s and calmer conditions.
