CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Up to 4 inches of snow will hit the Chicago area Friday evening before temperatures plummet to below-zero wind chills over the weekend, forecasters say.
Commuters should beware of “rapidly changing” conditions, including sudden snowfall, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Petr.
“It will go from no snow to snowing pretty heavily,” Petr said. “Take it slow and give yourself enough time for where you need to go.”
Moderate-to-heavy snow will quickly move into the area later this afternoon. Latest forecasts: https://t.co/78ZdLW4T5P pic.twitter.com/Z7KiZQqgw7
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
January 17, 2020 At about 9 or 10 p.m. Friday, snow will change to sleet or freezing rain as warmer air pushes through, he said. Saturday morning will see mostly rain showers.
But, later Saturday morning, the precipitation will change back to patchy snow showers as a cold front moves in, Petr said.
Coldest wx of winter so far will rush into the area Sat. aftn driven by strong west winds gusting up to 45 mph. Scattered snow showers or squalls psbl & even patchy blowing snow parts of N IL. As temps plummet, slick spots may develop. Wind chills -10 to -20° Sun. AM! #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/moMBFxL4WA
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
January 17, 2020 Wind gusts of 45 mph are expected in the morning and afternoon, he said. Temperatures will reach the upper 30s.
Dangerously cold temperatures are expected early Sunday, with the Sunday morning windchill dropping to negative 15 degrees, Petr said.
Cook County government is reminding residents that warming centers are available during the daytime for those without adequate heating in their homes.
Snow develops this afternoon, changes to a wintry mix with slippery travel tonight. Saturday will see some light rain/snow early, then very windy and much colder with gusty snow showers possible. Sunday will be dry but cold, with wind chills ranging from -10 to -20 early. pic.twitter.com/DKs3fOSEaa
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
January 17, 2020 (Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2019. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
