Temperatures to Slowly Rise as Periods of Snow Expected
Coldest Night Ahead, but Relief in Sight
After a few days of dangerously cold temperatures in the Chicago area, the mercury will finally begin to slowly rise on Wednesday – though it comes with sporadic snowfall as well. There won’t be an immediate reprieve from bone-chilling cold, with increasing winds after midnight leading to wind chill readings likely well below zero on Wednesday morning. Between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., wind chills of -13 degrees in Chicago to as low as -18 degrees in Valparaiso can be expected.
Snowfall Expected, but Accumulation Values are Expected to be Light
Snowfall is likely to begin in the morning hours in areas north of Interstate 88 and last into the evening, with accumulating snow of up to an inch possible. In areas south of Interstate 88, snow will likely begin in the late afternoon and continue into the night, though accumulation values are expected to be similar.
Slippery Travel Conditions Expected
Periods of snow are expected Wednesday into Wednesday night. While amounts will be light (locally up to an inch), very cold ground temperatures will lead to slippery travel on untreated roadways. Reduced visibility is also possible.
Lake Effect Snow Possible in Northeast Porter County, Indiana
Additionally, lake effect snow is possible on Thursday in northeast Porter County in Indiana, though conditions will likely stay dry in the rest of the Chicago area.
Temperatures to Moderate by the Weekend
After one more bitterly cold night tonight, temperatures will begin to slowly moderate to near normal for late January by the weekend.
Ice Jams and River Rises to Worry About
The National Weather Service also warns of ice jams and localized rapid river rises later in the week, particularly as temperatures are expected to climb back above freezing on Saturday.
Conclusion
While the cold weather will linger for a little while longer, it’s expected to slowly come to an end by the weekend. It’s essential to be prepared for slippery travel conditions and to stay informed about any weather advisories or warnings in your area.
FAQs
* Q: What is the expected low temperature tonight?
A: Wind chill readings are expected to be well below zero on Wednesday morning.
* Q: Where will the snowfall be heaviest?
A: Snowfall is expected to be heaviest in areas north of Interstate 88.
* Q: Will the snow accumulation be significant?
A: Accumulation values are expected to be light, with up to an inch possible.
* Q: What’s the forecast for the weekend?
A: Temperatures are expected to moderate to near normal for late January by the weekend.
