An intense winter storm is brewing in the Midwest this Saturday, threatening to blanket large areas of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan with snow accumulation ranging from 8 to 16 inches. Travelers can expect significant delays in major cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee as a result of this severe weather.
In Southeast Texas, this storm system is prompting a cold front to move in, bringing anticipated rainfall that could greatly benefit the Houston area, which has been grappling with worsening drought conditions this fall. However, the timing couldn’t be trickier, as it coincides with a busy travel weekend following Thanksgiving. Heavy rain, strong storms, and potential localized flooding are likely to impede travel both into and out of Houston.
The forecast for Saturday indicates that much of the day will remain dry, though a few light showers may emerge. It’s advisable for those wanting to participate in Small Business Saturday to venture out before 5 p.m., maximizing the chances of avoiding rain disruptions. High temperatures for the day are expected to be in the mid-70s.
As the evening progresses, storm chances will ramp up, with about a 50% likelihood of rain from 6 to 9 p.m., which will increase as the cold front approaches. As the storm system interacts with warm, moist air, it is predicted that the most severe weather will linger through the early morning hours of Sunday, with storm risks heightened enough to warrant a Level 1 out of 5 warning from the Storm Prediction Center. Although the possibility of isolated tornadoes exists, it remains low.
As the cold front passes, residents should be cautious on the roads due to potential street flooding caused by overnight rain. If encountering flooded areas, seeking alternative routes is essential.
Following this weekend’s storms, a notable drop in temperatures will occur as colder air sweeps in from the north. December is expected to start chilly, with daytime highs on Sunday projected to only reach around 55 degrees, indicative of deeper winter conditions than typically expected for this time of year. Morning temperatures from Monday through Wednesday could fall into the low to mid-40s.
As the week progresses, temperatures may rebound to the upper 60s to low 70s by next weekend. Insights from the Climate Prediction Center suggest that while the initial cold snap may be significant, a trend towards temperatures leaning above normal could emerge later in December. This hopeful outlook offers some relief for residents anticipating further seasonal shifts as the year progresses.