Three forecast models used by NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologists agree on the likelihood of snowfall later this weekend.
How much fresh snow will fall remained in question on Friday evening.
The Global Forecast System model is the less aggressive of the three computer models. It predicts between 2 inches and 4 inches of new snow.
The Rapid Precision Mesoscale model predicts snowfall totals in the 3- to 4-inch range. The North American Mesoscale Forecast System is more aggressive, calling for anywhere from 3 to 7 inches of snow in some areas.
The weekend will start off mild, but there's a system that could reach the Chicago area by late Saturday night that may be a rain/snow mix before switching over to all snow by Sunday morning.
The center of low pressure looks to be south and west of Chicago, an ideal location for producing heavier snow. The heavier snowfall totals are projected south of Chicago and in Northwest Indiana.
There may be some lake effect enhancement as well.
