Chicago on Alert for Season's First Snow as Temperatures Plunge and Winds Pick Up
Chicago prepares for its first snowfall of the season as temperatures drop sharply and winds strengthen over the weekend. Residents are encouraged to get their winter clothes ready as cold air approaches the city.
Forecast and Conditions
The National Weather Service reports that after a partly cloudy Friday with sunshine and highs near 61°F, weather patterns will shift dramatically. Westerly winds of 10–15 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 25 mph.
Tonight's forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, a low around 43°F, and a slight chance of evening rain.
Weekend Weather Outlook
On Saturday, the rain is expected to begin after 3 p.m. and intensify steadily into the evening. According to the National Weather Service:
“Rain, mainly after 3 p.m., with new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.”
Daytime highs will be near 49°F, dropping toward freezing overnight. This cooling trend may cause rain to transition into snow, marking the city’s first appearance of wintry mix this season.
Forecast Details from FOX32 Chicago
FOX32 Chicago reports that as cold air moves in, rain could change over to wet snow by Saturday evening.
“Rain will change over to wet snow,” their meteorologists indicated, adding that “a slushy coating” could develop, though significant accumulation is not expected due to the ground’s lingering warmth.
Overall, while measurable snow is unlikely, parts of the greater Chicagoland area could see a light layer by early Sunday.
Author’s Summary
As temperatures plunge this weekend, Chicago could see its first fleeting snow—a brief reminder that winter is just around the corner.