How Much Will It Snow? Chicago Winter Weather Forecast Calling For Snow, ‘Hazardous Travel Conditions’ – NBC Chicago

So far this winter it’s been cold, cloudy and wet — but not in the form of measurable snow. In fact, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team, the area is seeing a snow deficit, with nearly a foot below average.

However, a winter weather pattern on the way is set to make things look and feel a lot more like a typical January in Chicago.

Forecast models show a system traveling up from the south is expected to hit the area around midnight, bringing with it accumulating, on-and-off snowfall beginning overnight Wednesday, with snowy conditions lasting although at least Sunday.

Tuesday

Daytime hours Tuesday are expected to remain mostly dry and cloudy, with a high temperature of 34 degrees, the NBC 5 Storm Team says.

Overnight however, snow is expected to develop.

A winter weather advisory for counties to the south — including LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, as well as parts of Cook and Will Counties, and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana — going into effect at midnight and lasting through 6 pm Wednesday .

Information on expected snowfall amounts (through Wednesday afternoon) is shown in this graphic. Highest snowfall generally south and east of a Pontiac to Valparaiso line. #ILwx #INwx (2/4) pic.twitter.com/GblXSqzJ66

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 24, 2023

Wednesday and Thursday

A snow pattern in the southern parts of Illinois will begin around 4 am traveling towards the city, with widespread snow showers expected in the Chicago area around 8 am

According to the National Weather Service, “deteriorating travel conditions during the Wednesday morning commute” are expected, with peak snowfall rates occurring in the morning hours.

By lunchtime however, forecast models show snowfall rates diminishing. Additionally, temperatures are expected to be warm, reaching into the low to mid 30s.

By Wednesday evening, the system is predicted to begin churning out of the Chicago area. However, due to the warm waters of Lake Michigan and winds shifting out of the north, a round of lake-effect snow could potentially impact areas to the south of the lake in northwest Indiana.

As a result, parts of Indiana could see locally-higher snowfall totals by the time all is said and done Thursday morning, according to forecast models.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Round two of the snow will arrive Friday in the form of a fast-moving clipper system, which could bring light snow or perhaps some mixed precipitation to the area. Accumulations will in all likelihood be on the lighter side with that disturbance, according to forecast models.

Late Saturday and into Sunday, more snow showers are expected to roll in, as two air masses bump up against one another, according to forecast models. Light snow will likely result from those air masses as they swing through the Midwest, bringing some additional accumulations to areas that will have seen snow over the course of several days.

How Much Snow Could Chicago Get?

According to forecast models, the region’s heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday morning. Accumulations are likely area-wide, with areas south and east of Chicago predicted to see the highest amounts.

Early predictions indicate northern Chicago suburbs will see 1 to 3 inches of snow, while southern suburbs and northwest Indiana could see between 2 and 4 inches in accumulation.

Checking Illinois Road Conditions

With the snow expected to snarl the Wednesday morning commute, the latest road conditions can be found by visiting gettingaroundillinois.com.