Chicago Weather: First Snowflakes 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 Forecast
Friday is expected to be mostly sunny to partly cloudy with highs in the lower 60s. Winds will increase throughout the day, gusting up to 30 mph from the west. Enjoy the mild temperatures while they last.
Weekend Weather Changes
Temperatures will drop significantly this weekend. On Saturday, highs will reach the upper 40s to near 50 degrees. Rain is expected to begin by late morning or midday, continuing into the afternoon and evening.
Transition to Snow
As temperatures fall Saturday evening, rain may change to snow. Accumulations will be minimal, mostly limited to light slush on grassy and elevated surfaces.
Colder Sunday and Monday
Sunday and Monday will bring much colder conditions, with highs only in the 30s. Lake effect snow showers are possible, particularly in Northwest Indiana; some rain or snow could also occur in Northeast Illinois if winds shift northeasterly.
Outlook for Early Next Week
Warmer air is expected to return by Tuesday and Wednesday, easing the colder conditions.
“Soak up the warmth while it's here!” — Emily Wahls
Author's summary: Chicago will see a shift from mild rain to colder weather with the first flurries this weekend, followed by a brief cold snap and potential lake effect snow before warming returns next week.