Warmer Temps and Still No Significant Snow for Chicago Area

For those heading out to holiday lights parades and lighting ceremonies being held this weekend across the Chicago-area, you can expect warmer-than-normal temps but no snow.

The Chicago-area could see temperatures near 50 degrees this weekend and those above-average temperatures are expected to continue into next week.

But, rain is also in the forecast. A transient area of light rain showers and drizzle will develop north of I-80 by mid-morning on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The showers will shift east through the afternoon.

A couple of snowflakes are possible Friday morning north of I-88, but precipitation will be mostly rain. Dry conditions are expected during the day on Saturday and Sunday but shower could return Sunday night.

When Will We See Some Snow?

The Farmer’s Almanac this past August predicted a "warmer than normal" winter but more snow in Illinois and the lower Great Lakes region.

• Snowier-Than-Normal Winter for Illinois: Old Farmer's Almanac Long-Range Forecast
  

So far, we have not seen any measurable snow and the first onset of flurries came three weeks behind average, Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling told Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder on WGN’s The Bill and Wendy Show.

Some forecasters in recent weeks have predicted a bitter cold winter. But Skilling said statistical data and recent weather patterns don't support those claims and seem to show this winter will be milder-than-normal. He said every metric so far this season is running way behind on cold weather arrival.

“As we go into December, it will be colder than it’s been. But when you compare to average temperatures, we are still above average,” Skilling said.

That doesn’t mean we won’t be hit by a blizzard or cold wave at some point, but overall, Skilling says it’s looking like this winter may be warmer.

You can listen to Skilling’s full interview with Bill and Wendy here.

Weather Forecast for Coming Days

Here is a more detailed look at the forecast for the weekend and as we head into December:

• FRIDAY: Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of light showers. Highs in the lower 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
• FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
• SATURDAY: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy in the evening then clearing. Lows in the mid 30s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
• SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers in the evening... Then showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 40s. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
• MONDAY: Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Highs in the lower 50s.
• TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs in the lower 50s.
• WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, DEC. 1: Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 40s. Lows in the mid 30s.

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