Friday Chicago finally received the first 1-inch snowfall of the season - it was a new record for first 1-inch snow so late in the season (old record January 17, 1899) and 335 days since the last 1-inch snow. The low pressure system that brought the snow moved east followed by northwest winds and a brief reinforcing influx of colder air. Saturday will see considerable sunshine across the metro area, but the snow cover - thin as it may be - when combined with the colder air should restrict highest temperatures in the middle 20s. The six consecutive days ending Friday averaged 14.3 degrees - the coldest six-day stretch in over two years - going back to January 19-24, 2011 when the average was 12.8 degrees.
Treacherous travel Sunday
With a warm front approaching from the south, clouds will lower and thicken Saturday night, but cold air - temperatures in the upper teens to lower 20s will still be in place here Sunday morning as precipitation in the form of snow or sleet begins to fall. The snow/sleet should gradually change over to freezing rain during the afternoon. Then as temperatures finally warm above 32 degrees, freezing rain should change over to rain later Sunday.
