Watch CBS News

Falling Temperatures Could Turn Rain Into Snow

UPDATED 11/09/11 5:56 a.m.

CHICAGO (CBS) - Not a single flake of snow has fallen in Chicago this fall, even as an early-season snowstorm socked the East Coast and left millions without power late last month.

But that could all change Wednesday, CBS 2 Meteorologist Megan Glaros tells us.

Early Wednesday morning, there was only rain in the Chicago area, but a system that has been producing snow was hovering near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It will arrive in the Chicago area as a rain-snow mix, mostly affecting areas west of the city, and not as likely to impact the city itself and Northwest Indiana.

But there is potential for snow for the entire area as a low-pressure system tracks out of town.

The snow will not accumulate here, but some of our neighboring states won't be so lucky.

In northeast Iowa and south central Wisconsin, including the Madison area, a winter weather advisory is in effect. Snowfall totals of 2 to 5 inches are expected.

Farther north around Wausau, Wis., a winter storm warning is in effect, and snowfall totals could top out at 5 to 8 inches.

But even though the snow won't have any real impact on the immediate Chicago area, it will be followed by temperatures that will feel downright wintry.

The overnight low Wednesday night is 32, and the high for Thursday is a mere 41. Overnight Thursday into Friday, the low drops below the freezing mark at 31.

The last time it was as cold as is forecast for Thursday was on April 19, when the high was 38 degrees.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.