Arctic Blast Brings Gusty Winds, Snow Showers, and Hazardous Travel Conditions to Chicago Area
An "Arctic blast" is expected to hit the Chicago area on Wednesday, bringing gusty winds, tumbling temperatures, snow showers, and the chance for snow squalls. The NBC 5 Storm Team warns that these conditions could create hazardous travel conditions.
Frigid Forecast Ahead
According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, the next 36 hours will be "pretty rough" for the Chicago area. Roman explained that Wednesday started out cold, with light snow moving through western Illinois and pushing into LaSalle County. Light flurries could continue through the Wednesday morning commute in Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee, and Will Counties if the system holds together.
Snow Showers and Snow Squalls
Later Wednesday morning and into early afternoon, another light band of snow could bring a dusting of flakes to the area. Accumulations won’t top an inch, Roman said, but gusty winds as high as 35 miles per hour could lead to snow squalls at times, briefly reducing visibility.
"Keep that in mind for the afternoon and evening commute," Roman warned.
Last week, the Chicago area saw a snow squall warning, as quick, intense bursts of snow fell in some parts. While snow squalls are limited in duration, they lead to rapidly reduced visibility and slick roads thanks to strong, gusty winds.
Temperatures Plunge
Temperatures Wednesday were expected to fall throughout the day, dropping to the 20s by evening. Late Wednesday night and overnight, temperatures would be in the single digits, with winds as high as 40 mph.
Those winds will lead to bitter cold wind chills Thursday morning, making the air feel as low as -20 degrees in some areas.
Warmer Temperatures Ahead
Thursday afternoon, high temperatures will be in the teens, Roman said. But it won’t last long. By Friday, temperatures were expected to increase into the 30s, Roman said, with the chance of a wintry mix Friday night into Saturday morning. Saturday, that snow-rain mix would change over to mostly rain, Roman said.
By the weekend, temperatures were expected to be even warmer, with highs in the 40s both days.
Above-Average Temperatures Expected
According to Roman, those above-average temperatures could stick around as December continues, and even through Christmas Eve.
"There’s a pretty good probability that between Dec. 16 and Dec. 24, we will have above average temperatures," Roman said, noting average highs this time of year were in the mid-30s.
Conclusion
The Arctic blast is expected to bring challenging weather conditions to the Chicago area, with gusty winds, snow showers, and the chance for snow squalls. However, warmer temperatures are expected to return by the weekend, with above-average temperatures potentially sticking around through Christmas Eve.
FAQs
Q: What can I expect from the Arctic blast?
A: The Arctic blast will bring gusty winds, snow showers, and the chance for snow squalls, which could create hazardous travel conditions.
Q: How low will temperatures drop?
A: Temperatures will drop to the 20s by evening on Wednesday, and temperatures overnight will be in the single digits with winds as high as 40 mph.
Q: Will it be warm again soon?
A: Yes, temperatures are expected to increase into the 30s by Friday, and by the weekend, temperatures will be in the 40s.
Q: Will it be above average temperatures for Christmas?
A: Yes, there is a good probability that temperatures will be above average for Christmas Eve and possibly through the holiday season.
