Snow squalls, freezing temperatures possible – NBC Chicago

Editor’s Note: Our latest weather report for Wednesday, December 11th can be found here. Our original story continues below.

While an upcoming arctic air mass will only lower temperatures in the Chicago area for a short period of time, there is also a multiple chance of snow in the forecast.

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, snow will fall for the first time Wednesday afternoon, along with a cold front that will bring the coldest air of the season to the Chicago area.

Like last week, the Chicago area could face a risk of snow squalls during Wednesday’s weather event, with rapid, wind-driven heavy snowfalls potentially causing significant travel problems in some locations during the afternoon commute.

Prolonged accumulations are not expected, but the steep journey could continue as temperatures drop behind the approaching front.

Temperatures will start in the high 30s on Wednesday afternoon, but behind gusty northwest winds, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens and wind chills will drop below freezing in the late evening hours.

Overnight wind chills could dip as low as 10 to 15 degrees below zero, with air temperatures in the single digits when Chicago area residents wake up Thursday.

Temperatures won’t rebound much Thursday, with highs in the teens, but there will also be another chance for snow in the forecast, with some accumulations possible with more widespread snow showers, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Luckily for residents, these frigid temperatures are not expected to last as highs will climb back into the 30s on Friday and possibly climb into the 40s on Saturday. There is a chance of showers in the area on the final day, but this will taper off over the second half of the weekend, with highs still in the low to mid 40s on Sunday.

According to the advanced forecast models, highs will fall back into the upper 40s on Monday before likely falling back into the upper 30s on Tuesday.

Stay tuned with the NBC 5 Storm Team for the latest weather news and information.