Two Rounds of Snow This Week; 8 Inches or More Possible
First Round of Snow Expected Wednesday
Snow is expected to begin around 7 a.m. Wednesday, with scattered flakes to the north and west. Steadier snow will develop beginning around 10 a.m., with “heavy snow at times” through late Wednesday night.
“Several inches” of snow accumulation is expected, with the National Weather Service warning that the heaviest snow is expected during the Wednesday afternoon commute.
“Impacts to travel are likely,” the NWS said.
How Much Snow Could We Get?
The exact track of the system and exact snow totals remained uncertain Monday, with forecast models showing a fairly wide range of snow accumulation possible across Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
“Comparing the four models, we get anywhere between four and eight inches of snow,” NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.
Roman added that the second system, developing Friday night into Saturday, could dump another four inches of snow across the area.
Second Round of Snow Expected Friday Night into Saturday
Roman said that temperatures would remain cold through the week, with temperatures hovering in the 20s and 30s for much of the week, dropping into the teens at times.
What’s the Snow Deficit?
The snow comes as Northeastern Illinois faces a major snow deficit, with only 10 inches of snow so far this season, Roman said.
“We should be around 25 inches at this time,” Roman said, of how little snowfall the Chicago area has seen this winter.
What’s the Forecast for Monday and Tuesday?
Monday and Tuesday will be dry, with seasonal highs in the mid-30s. Some parts Tuesday could see a stray flurry, Roman said, with a dusting possible but not accumulating snow.
Conclusion
Two systems are expected to dump snow across the entire Chicago area over the next seven days, with “many” inches of snow possible when all is said and done. The exact track of the system and exact snow totals remain uncertain, but forecast models show a range of snow accumulation possible across Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
FAQs
Q: When is the first round of snow expected?
A: Snow is expected to begin around 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Q: How much snow accumulation is expected?
A: Several inches of snow accumulation is expected, with the heaviest snow expected during the Wednesday afternoon commute.
Q: What’s the snow deficit in the Chicago area?
A: Northeastern Illinois faces a major snow deficit, with only 10 inches of snow so far this season.
Q: When is the second round of snow expected?
A: The second system is expected to develop Friday night into Saturday.
