Lakeshore communities in Chicago, Lake County and Northwest Indiana might see the season’s first snowfall this weekend
Chicago residents might witness the primary snowfall of the season this weekend as a climate system strikes by means of the realm, although not everybody will see flakes falling from the sky. The precipitation is anticipated to focus on particular communities, notably these alongside the lakefront.
FOX 32 meteorologist Mark Strehl offered the forecast for the anticipated climate change that may deliver colder temperatures and potential snow to the area. The system was positioned nicely to the west of Chicago on Saturday morning however was steadily making its approach towards the metropolitan space.
Three areas almost definitely to see snow
The communities proper across the lakeshore face the very best likelihood of seeing snowfall this weekend. 1. Lakeshore areas of Chicago symbolize the primary zone the place residents ought to put together for potential snow, notably neighborhoods immediately adjoining to Lake Michigan.
Lake County communities additionally stand within the path of doubtless snowfall, with these northern suburban areas anticipated to expertise related situations to the Chicago lakefront. 3. Northwest Indiana rounds out the trio of areas almost definitely to see the season’s first snow, with communities on this space dealing with the identical lake impact patterns.
The lake impact phenomenon happens when chilly air strikes over the hotter waters of Lake Michigan, choosing up moisture that then falls as snow on downwind communities. This climate sample sometimes impacts areas closest to the shoreline most dramatically.
Weekend climate timeline
The climate system introduced somewhat rain to the Chicago space on Saturday morning, which was anticipated to dry out earlier than returning within the afternoon. Precipitation ought to resume Saturday afternoon, with potential snowfall showing on the bottom of the system as temperatures proceed dropping.
Sunday and Monday might deliver further lake impact snow to the identical lakefront communities, extending the winter climate occasion into the early a part of subsequent week. The extended nature of the system will increase the possibilities that residents in affected areas will see accumulating snow.
The timing implies that individuals planning outside actions over the weekend ought to monitor climate updates carefully, notably in the event that they stay in or plan to go to the lakeshore communities almost definitely to expertise snowfall.
Temperature drop accompanies snow likelihood
Temperatures are taking a big dip this weekend, with forecast highs within the mid-40s on Saturday after reaching round 60 levels on Friday. The 15-degree temperature swing in simply 24 hours marks a dramatic shift towards winter situations.
Regular excessive temperatures for this time of yr hover round 53 levels, that means Saturday’s forecast falls about 8 levels beneath common. The below-normal temperatures improve the probability that any precipitation will fall as snow reasonably than rain, notably within the night and in a single day hours when temperatures drop additional.
The chilly snap serves as a reminder that winter is approaching, though the Chicago space has loved a comparatively delicate autumn to this point. Residents ought to put together for the seasonal transition by having acceptable cold-weather clothes prepared and making certain their houses are ready for winter situations.
Not everybody will see snow
Whereas the forecast requires snow in sure areas, many Chicago-area residents might not see any flakes in any respect. Communities situated away from the speedy lakeshore are much less prone to expertise snowfall, because the lake impact sample tends to pay attention precipitation in slim bands.
Inland suburbs and areas south and west of the town middle sometimes see much less lake impact snow than their lakefront counterparts. These communities might expertise chilly temperatures and probably some rain, however accumulating snow stays unlikely.
The uneven distribution of snowfall is typical for early season climate occasions within the Chicago space. As winter progresses and temperatures turn out to be extra constantly chilly, snow occasions are likely to unfold throughout wider areas of the metropolitan area.
Making ready for first snow
The primary snowfall of the season, even when gentle, typically catches drivers and pedestrians off guard after months of snow-free situations. Residents in affected areas ought to take precautions akin to permitting further time for journey, driving extra cautiously and being ready for slippery sidewalks and parking tons.
Owners would possibly wish to examine that snow elimination tools is in working order and simply accessible. Even a light-weight dusting of snow can create hazardous situations on steps, walkways and driveways, notably throughout morning hours when temperatures are coldest.
The arrival of the season’s first snow additionally serves as an excellent reminder to organize automobiles for winter driving situations. Checking tire tread, making certain windshield washer fluid is crammed and retaining an emergency equipment within the automotive turn out to be more and more essential as winter climate turns into extra frequent.
Trying forward
Whereas this weekend’s climate system might deliver the primary snow of the season to some Chicago-area communities, it doubtless represents just the start of winter climate within the area. As November progresses and December arrives, snow occasions sometimes turn out to be extra frequent and widespread.
Residents throughout your complete Chicago metropolitan space ought to use this early season snow likelihood as motivation to finish winter preparations. Whether or not or not your particular neighborhood sees snow this weekend, winter climate will finally arrive for everybody within the area.
The seasonal transition is a pure a part of life in Chicago, the place residents expertise the complete vary of climate situations all year long. As temperatures proceed their downward pattern and snow turns into extra frequent, the town will as soon as once more show its resilience and skill to deal with no matter winter brings.
Story credit score: FOX 32 Chicago
