CHICAGO — Winter is on the way, and this year, Chicago may soon see a notable transformation as it gears up for the holiday season. In a shift from last year, which experienced below-average snowfall, meteorologist Bill Snyder of WGN-TV reports that a cold front will sweep through the city, bringing with it heavy rain alongside wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph overnight on Tuesday.
Following this weather front, the forecast indicates a promising potential for snowfall beginning Friday night and extending into Saturday. Current models suggest that Chicago could receive at least one inch of snow, with a substantial 75 percent chance of accumulating four inches or more.
While Snyder, who has spent decades working alongside the renowned Tom Skilling, cautions that it’s still early for precise predictions, he highlights the likelihood of significant snowfall coming our way. “The snow will certainly put us in the holiday spirit after Thanksgiving,” he noted, although he recognized that the timing could pose challenges for those traveling during the busy holiday period.
Last winter, Chicago’s snowfall was remarkably sparse, with the heaviest single storm only bringing 2.9 inches on November 21, 2024, contributing to a season total of 17.6 inches—the lowest in over seven decades. As such, the prospect of a snowy winter is especially welcome this year, with residents excitedly anticipating opportunities for winter activities.
With these upcoming changes in weather, the city’s landscape may soon be blanketed in a beautiful layer of snow, lifting spirits as the festive season approaches.