A fairly strong arctic cold front is moving into the Chicago area this evening, and with it will come a noticeable drop in temperatures. Recent highs in the 30s will be replaced by 2 or possibly 3 days in the 20s with overnight lows dippping into the single digits in our usual colder spots. This afternoon, there will be occasional bursts of impressive snow. Here at the station just before noon, flakes as big as hubcaps flew through the air for all of about 5 minutes. A few towns south of Chicago where 1/2" of snow feel already this morning, might pick up another quick 1/2" before this axis of snowfall moves away. Clearing skies are already breaking out in our western counties early this afternoon, and most of us will get at least a little bit of that sunshine today. Then the front hits tonight. Clouds will return along with a few snow showers. Tomorrow I expect that snow shower threat to linger, bringing an inch or so of fresh powder to the area. The exception will be in NW Indiana, where lake-effect snow might be much more impressive. There are no advisories for this potential as of this writing, but I wouldn't be surprised if those of you in the Indiana snow belt get more than 4" tomorrow.
Mike
