The huge spring storm tracking through the southern suburbs generated over 300 storm reports on Sunday, including large hail in Chicago’s south suburbs and a long-lived tornado near Springfield. Along the northern flank of the storm, heavy, wet snow spread from the central Plains through the Upper Michigan, where over a foot is expected on Sunday night and Monday. In the wake of the storm, strong west winds with gusts past 30 m.p.h. sweep into Chicago during the day, dragging frigid arctic air southward.
The cold air takes up residence for the week ahead, with the next weather maker due on Thursday. Current model guidance suggests that upper air support will remain weak and keep this system from developing fully.
As a result, Chicago may see mixed rain and snow early Thursday before cold air turns the mix into all snow before ending, with some accumulation likely.
--Dennis Haller, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
