Chicago-Area Hazardous Weather Outlook: Snowy Christmas Eve

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve, according to the National Weather Service, which notes that light to moderate snowfall already has begun to fall in many communities throughout the Chicago area. With temperatures hovering in the upper teens to low 20s, the snow is sticking easily to roads and interstates.

This is what the weather means for holiday travelers:

• Plan on slippery road conditions and snow-covered roads. Snowfall amounts are expected to range from 1 to 2 inches across far northern Illinois to 3 to 6 inches along and south of Interstate 80. Lake-effect snow is expected across northwest Indiana. Drive carefully.
• Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times. Snowfall rates may reach one half inch per hour mid-morning through early afternoon.

The snow is expected to be over by sunset, which should happen at 4:24 p.m., except in far northwest Indiana where lake-effect snow may linger into Sunday evening. Much colder air will arrive Sunday night across northern Illinois.

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Here is your day-by-day forecast for the week:

• Today: Snow. Snow accumulation of 2 to 5 inches, highest south and lowest north. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 100 percent. Tonight: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of light snow in the evening, then a chance of flurries after midnight. Lows 13 to 17. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of measurable precipitation 20 percent.
• Christmas Day: Partly cloudy. A chance of flurries in the morning. Blustery. Highs in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows 1 to 5 above. Wind chills as low as 5 below to 15 below zero. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
• Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Highs 9 to 13 above. Wind chills as low as 5 below to 15 below zero. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. Lows 1 to 5 above.
• Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Highs 12 to 16. Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy. Lows 6 to 10 above.
• Thursday: Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the lower 20s. Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Lows 11 to 15.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the lower 20s.

More info »

Local Doppler Radar

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