Lake Effect Snow Chances Increasing For Chicago Area

There is an "increasing potential" for lake effect snow for far northeastern Illinois on Thursday night through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

But, first, cold temperatures are going to continue the rest of the week, and there is a chance of gusty snow showers on Tuesday morning. The weather service said Tuesday that widely scattered snow showers are possible, mainly north and east of a Rockford to Rensselaer line.

Some blowing and low drifting snow is possible for open areas near and south of Interstate 80, the weather service said. Wind chills as low as 20 below zero are also expected again on Tuesday night.

Wednesday night could see wind chills as low as 15 below zero, and 20 below zero on Thursday night, according to the current forecast.

The next chance for snow will come on Thursday, with lake effect snow near Lake Michigan.

"However, considerable uncertainty regarding timing, intensity, and the placement of the heaviest lake effect snow exists at this time," the weather service said.

For those who are getting tired of frigid temperatures and snow, the weather service said that most long-range models are now suggesting temperatures will trend warmer during the first week of February.

"It won't feel like the tropics," the agency cautioned. "But instead more like the average for this time of year."