Weather alert for Chicago with multiple snow chances by midweek
CHICAGO (CBS) — It's a busy week ahead in the weather department with a forecast the kids will love multiple snow chances.
A winter storm watch takes effect on Wednesday morning and continues through late Wednesday night for most of the area.
Confidence is growing about the snowstorm we have been highlighting for days now, which will impact the city and surrounding areas Wednesday into Thursday. The first crack at snowfall accumulations is looking like 5 to 7 inches, with locally higher amounts for the lakeshore communities.
Widespread accumulating snow is expected in the late morning Wednesday and will last through the overnight hours into early Thursday morning. Several inches of snow are possible—enough to bring out the shovels and snow blowers! Expect difficult travel on Wednesday afternoon and evening, with lingering impacts into early Thursday.
The snow will start Wednesday morning but become more intense Wednesday afternoon/evening.
On Monday night, United Airlines was already reaching out suggesting they consider changing their flights due to winter weather across the Midwest. Southwest Airlines advised that its service may be disrupted at both O'Hare and Midway international airports — as well as nine other cities. American Airlines also advised of a disruption at O'Hare and in 11 other cities.
Another round of lighter snowfall will roll in late Friday and into Saturday. Behind that system, much colder air is expected.
In the short term, cloudy skies are expected Monday night with patchy snow showers that will last into Tuesday morning. A dusting at most is in the forecast for the overnight period.
Throughout most of this week, temperatures will be below normal, with highs in the teens to 20s.
Forecast at a glance
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Low of 21. Stray flurries, snow showers.
TOMORROW: Light patchy am snow. Staying cloudy. High of 25.
TOMORROW NIGHT: Cloudy, low of 20.
