The upcoming week begins on a wintry note with the city facing a slushy accumulation of an inch of snow, possibly 2-4" out toward Rockford and up into southern Wisconsin as a clipper system races southeast into the Ohio Valley.
This will be the city’s first measurable snowfall in three weeks (1.2" fell on Feb. 11) and the most snowcover since 4" on Jan. 20.
True to its volatile nature, March will show its spring face by the end of the week as a major weather pattern realignment occurs. The western United States, which has been mild and rather dry, has begun to turn stormy and colder, whereas the Midwest, which has been chilly and dry, will be turning showery and warmer.
March opens the severe thunderstorm season in Chicago, and the National Weather Service has designated March 5-11 as Severe Weather Awareness Week for Illinois and Indiana. The Weather Service has scheduled drills and exercises to prepare the public.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
