Forecast: Increasing cloudiness, cold; wintry precipitation arrives Friday

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THURSDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloudiness. Chance of snow after midnight. Nearly steady temperatures in the lower to mid-30s. Low: 31.

The second weather system this week arrives early Friday and brings a band of slushy snow that should continue much of the day.

It’s possible the southern half of the metro area may see precipitation mix with rain at times. The good news is that the snow should struggle to accumulate in most areas, except with a narrow band of heavier snowfall rates currently favored to set up from I-88 north to the Illinois/Wisconsin border.

Elevated surfaces and grassy areas may see a slushy 1-2 inches, but the bulk of area roadways should not be impacted due to a much higher sun angle and temperatures modestly above freezing.   

Following Friday’s wintry precipitation, a notable warming trend gets underway beginning Saturday with plentiful sunshine.

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Current conditions

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Looking ahead

By early next week, the warmest temperatures of 2025 are anticipated. Early forecast projections suggest a string of three consecutive days of 60 degrees are on the way beginning Monday. 

Weather history says we’re overdue to see some mild weather. On average, the first occurring 60+ degree day typically occurs on or about February 27^th.