Chicago is gearing up for the season's initial snow as temperatures fall, with a chance of a slushy accumulation over the weekend. Residents are advised to ready their winter attire as colder weather approaches.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that after today's clouds give way to sunshine with highs near 61°F, conditions will change. Westerly winds will blow between 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Tonight, there is a slight chance of rain under mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures dipping to around 43°F.
Rain is predicted to begin after 3 p.m. on Saturday, with precipitation becoming certain by the evening. The NWS states:
"Rain, mainly after 3pm," with "new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible."
Temperatures will remain near 49°F during the day and drop close to freezing overnight, paving the way for the first snow.
According to FOX32 Chicago, the rain is expected to change to wet snow Saturday evening as cold air moves in. While significant accumulation is unlikely due to relatively warm ground temperatures, a "slushy coating" could appear across the greater Chicagoland area.
Chicago faces its first seasonal snow with slushy conditions possible this weekend amid falling temperatures and increasing winds.