Mixed precipitation will cause hazardous travel conditions across the Chicago area this week with some forecast models predicting up to 20 inches of snow.
There has been a lot of talk about not one, but two potential weather systems anticipated to hit the Chicago area later this week. While today and tomorrow will be warmer than usual with highs in the 30s and 40s, several rounds of heavy snowfall are expected thereafter.
The National Weather Service has mooted a “two-punch” threat that will hit Chicago over the next few days with a significant change late tomorrow likely bringing heavy precipitation to the region. Beginning with rain, forecast models predict that it will quickly transition to heavy snow causing serious travel impacts across the Chicago area.
What's all the fuss about next week? Let's break it down. We're looking at a "two punch" threat of winter weather with the 2nd arriving in a "northern" or "southern" scenario. If both overlap in area (the "northern" scenario), we could see hefty snow totals. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/tRCUgoi26h
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 30, 2022
A second round of snowfall causing icy precipitation might then arrive on Wednesday and Thursday exacerbating conditions further. According to NWS, this second system could overlap the first and bring “hefty snow totals” but there is always the chance that the system could veer off to the south and avert the Chicago area.
While some models are predicting more than 20 inches of snow, the National Weather Service has encouraged people not to get carried away but has also said “the chance for more than 8″ of snow continues to rise.”
A winter storm watch has consequently been issued for several Chicago-area counties beginning Tuesday evening.
WINTER STORM WATCH will go in effect TUES PM – THURS for areas in BLUE. 2 rounds of snow to move in late Tues.. bringing some significant snowfall amounts to parts of the area by Thur PM
A sharp cut off of snow from north (less amounts) to south (higher amounts)@nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/UY8KbGQd2s— Alicia Roman (@AliciaRomanNBC) January 31, 2022
The first storm is expected to hit Tuesday after a deceptive morning of mild weather conditions which will gradually worsen from the afternoon and turn into persistent snowfall overnight potentially lasting until Thursday.
In all cases from Tuesday onwards, there will be hazardous travel conditions so stay safe out there! As ever, you can head to the National Weather Service website for all the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
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