Chicago, Illinois — A powerful storm system is expected to bring hazardous winter weather impacts to the Chicago area from Sunday into Monday, including heavy rain, damaging winds, rapidly falling temperatures, and possible snow showers.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, unseasonably mild conditions will continue through the weekend before conditions deteriorate Sunday morning. Periods of rain and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop early Sunday, with widespread rainfall totals of 0.25 to 0.75 inches, and localized amounts up to 1.5 inches possible.
Forecasters warn that strong to locally damaging winds could accompany showers and storms late Sunday afternoon and evening, particularly southeast of Interstate 55. The primary threats include heavy downpours, lightning, and isolated wind damage.
Conditions will worsen Sunday night as very strong winds increase, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph likely and gusts over 50 mph possible. At the same time, temperatures are expected to plummet into the teens and lower 20s by Monday morning, with wind chills approaching near zero.
As colder air rushes in, wind-driven snow showers or flurries may develop overnight into Monday morning. While confidence in accumulation remains low, the National Weather Service notes that slick roads and travel impacts are possible, especially north of Interstate 80.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor furniture and decorations, prepare for hazardous driving conditions, and remain alert for tree damage and power outages due to high winds.
The five-day outlook shows colder conditions continuing into next week, with highs mainly in the 20s and low 30s following the storm.
