Winter weather is about to be in full swing in the Chicago area.
NBC 5 meteorologists are tracking a developing system heading into the weekend that could bring significant snow followed by a dramatic drop in temperatures.
Beginning early Thursday morning, a light icy mix is possible for areas south of Interstate 80 with light snow developing through the morning and afternoon. This system could bring up to an inch or two of snowfall to the area before ending later in the day.
But this is only the beginning.
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Friday looks to start off overcast and seasonably cold with highs in the low- to mid-30s before light snow develops late in the evening or during the overnight hours Saturday.
What could be a widespread snow system is expected to continue throughout the day Saturday, dumping potentially several inches of snow before coming to an end for some locations. Lake effect showers could also develop and keep the snow going overnight for counties closer to the lake, which could have a major impact on snow totals.
Though snow total projections could change as the system approaches, early predictions indicate some locations may see an excess of 6 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Still, with several days before the snow is set to arrive, that forecast could change.
What also remains unclear is whether a potential Lake Effect system will develop on the Chicago side of Lake Michigan or if it will stay east toward northwest Indiana.
Highs Saturday look to sit in the upper-20s before plunging Sunday to the mid- to upper-teens with wind chill readings near zero – where they will likely stay to start off the work week.
Check back with us as this forecast develops.
