Chicago Weather: First Snowflakes of the Season Expected This Weekend
An incoming storm system will bring rain to the Chicago area late tonight into early Friday morning. Most locations can expect around a quarter inch or less of rain before conditions dry out by daybreak.
Friday Weather Outlook
Friday will be pleasant, with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies and highs in the lower 60s. Winds will increase during the day, gusting up to 30 mph from the west. Take advantage of the warmer weather while it lasts!
Weekend Temperature Drop and Precipitation
Temperatures will fall sharply this weekend. On Saturday, highs will reach the upper 40s to near 50 degrees with rain arriving by late morning or midday. Rain showers are expected throughout the afternoon and evening. As temperatures drop later Saturday evening, rain may change to snow.
Accumulations will be minimal, primarily causing minor slushy patches on grassy and elevated surfaces.
Cold and Snow on Sunday and Monday
Sunday and Monday will see much colder conditions, with highs only in the 30s. Lake-effect snow showers are possible on both days, though exact timing and locations remain uncertain. Most snow activity may occur in Northwest Indiana, but Northeast Illinois might also experience some rain or snow if winds shift to the northeast.
Warming Trend Next Week
Temperatures will begin to rise again on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing warmer air back into the region.
Emily Wahls provides this weather update.
Author's summary: Chicago faces a weekend temperature drop with initial rain turning into light snow, followed by cold days and possible lake-effect snow before warming next week.