Chicagoland weather radar shows an area of snow moving west to east along a line south of Galesburg, Pontiac, and Kankakee at 8:00 a.m. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday, February 1, 12:00 AM CST until Saturday, February 1, 06:00 PM CST.
Snow is expected to gradually push north. The snow we are about to receive is not another of the Alberta Clippers that we have been hit with week after week. We’re about to experience a good old-fashioned Low Pressure hook, which will mean heavy, wet snow, and ice and rain just to the south of the heavy snow line — probably somewhere in the south south suburbs.
Here we SNOW again. By 6PM Saturday we'll see 4 to 9 inches of snow, freezing rain lower totals south & NW Indiana. pic.twitter.com/AgBTohMspk
— NBC's Storm Team 5 (@NBCStormTeam5) January 31, 2014
The NBC 5 STORM TEAM at 5:36 a.m. is estimating higher amounts of snowfall, and is putting the 9-inch plus track over Arlington Heights, northwest/northern Cook County, and southern Lake County.
Snow is likely to start in Arlington Heights and the northwest suburbs some time between 6:00 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday with the heavier snow and faster accumulation after midnight. The forecast calls for about 2.0 inches by 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning and a final total of 6.2 inches by 6:00 p.m. Saturday. The approaching system could track further north, which could bring heavier snow to the northwest suburbs — in the neighborhood of 6-8 inches. The shift would also bring a larger area of freezing rain and winter mix to the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago. Ice accumulation is expected to be less than one-half inch in the south suburbs. Stay tuned as the day progresses to see if the National Weather service issues a Winter Storm Warning. Winter Storm Warnings are issued when 7+ inches of snow are expected to fall in a 24-hour period. Winter Storm Warnings are also issued when a dangerous combination of heavy snow, with sleet and/or freezing rain, are forecast to occur within the upcoming 12 hours.
Light snow this afternoon and evening then moderate accumulations tonight through Saturday. #ILWX #INWX http://t.co/wrEZIqgTtn
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 31, 2014
The National Weather Service at 5:18 a.m. Friday forecasts the deep snow track further south — over Ottawa, southwest suburbs and southern Cook County (compared to the NBC 5 STORM TEAM).
Satellite images show that much of Illinois is under clouds, which keeps temperatures steady at this time.
Mostly cloudy conditions are forecast to continue today and Saturday with clearing after 7:00 p.m. Saturday, along with a temperature drop — 26 degree at 4:00 p.m. down to 4 degrees at 7:00 a.m. Sunday.
Wind gusts of 17-20 MPH from the north and northwest are forecast from 11:00 a.m. to midnight late Saturday.
TODAY
Sunrise: 7:05 AM Sunset: 5:05 PM
A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as 1. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tonight
Snow, mainly after 9pm. Low around 17. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday
Snow. High near 27. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4. Wind chill values as low as -10. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 15. West northwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around -5.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 17.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5.
Tuesday Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 22.
Tuesday Night
Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 15.
Wednesday
A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around -5.
Thursday
Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 6.
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