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Enjoy the balmy temps while you can, because the weather is about to take a turn for the worse and bring a miserable mix of rain, snow and wind to the Chicago area, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.
The weird weather kicks off Wednesday afternoon, when temps are expected to go as high as the low 50s and bring us a fleeting taste of spring. Take care when you venture outdoors, though, because there's also a wind advisory in place for Chicago and much of the south suburban area through 6pm Wednesday night—the National Weather Service cautions that winds will blow from the south at 40–45 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour.
Secure loose objects outside - it's going to be a windy day! Expect strong gusts from south up to 40-45 mph. Sporadic gusts up to 45-50 mph most favored in Wind Advisory counties (shaded in light brown). Difficult driving for high profile vehicles on E-W roads. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/CWTqkQT7U0
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 16, 2022
Things only get more dismal as we head into Wednesday night, when a "strong" storm system is expected to bring heavy rain to the region through Thursday morning. A flood warning is in place for areas south of the Kankakee River, and Chicago may receive up to an inch of rain. That will turn into freezing rain—and later, a wintry snow mix—as temperatures plummet to as low as the single digits by Thursday morning. We'll get a break in precipitation Thursday morning, but your commute may still be snarled by icy road conditions.
Below is one model depiction of the next 24hrs:
— NWS Quad Cities (@NWSQuadCities) February 16, 2022
Rain develops this afternoon, changing to a wintry mix from northwest to southeast late tonight. Cold air will freeze any water on roads overnight causing slick spots during Thu AM commute. A break in precip is expected Thu AM. pic.twitter.com/hSWWFxKxwf
Heavy snowfall (as in greater than one inch per hour) is expected to arrive Thursday afternoon and continue through Thursday night, dumping up to seven inches of snow on the city and surrounding suburbs. Current forecasts show the South Side and areas south of the city getting hit the worst, with an estimated accumulation of three to seven inches of snow and up to .10 inches of ice, while the central and northern sections of the city are expected to receive two to four inches of snow and a "glaze" of ice. And if that weren't enough, winds of up to 40 miles per hour will create blowing snow and poor visibility conditions.
[6:45 AM 2/16] Here's a look at the latest for Thurs: Confidence is increasing in the location of an axis of heavier snowfall, although small shifts N & S may continue. Wind gusts to 40 mph may also lead to blowing snow. Plan for greatly increased travel times Thurs PM! pic.twitter.com/AOoxcF3u0J
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 16, 2022
It's worth noting that these predictions aren't 100 percent final—the areas of heaviest snowfall may shift slightly north or south—but it's safe to say you'll want to hunker down or allot more time for your commute as the snow begins to fall. The National Weather Service recommends planning for "potentially greatly increased travel times" throughout Thursday afternoon and evening. Bundle up and stay safe out there!