Looks Like Winter Took a Wrong Turn: Chicago’s About to Get Its First Snow!

Well, folks, hold onto your hats (and your cups of hot cocoa), because Chicago is trading its balmy 18°C for a whopping drop to just 4°C this week! Talk about a freeze frame; if only we could find a way to fast forward to summer already. But no, it appears winter has decided to crash the party—again, like that friend who shows up uninvited and breaks the punch bowl!

Meanwhile, across the nation, the Pacific Northwest and California are gearing up for some hefty snow action, with reports of serious accumulations supposed to hit later this week. It’s like a game of weather roulette: Who gets the most snow? These areas are at the casino, while Chicago’s hoping for an early bird special!

According to the wizards at TimeOut, two weather systems will be dancing through the Pacific Northwest (PNW) from Tuesday right up until Sunday, November 24, 2024. They’re expected to swirl around like a duo at a wedding, bringing an impressive 63 to 89 centimeters of snow to ski resorts! Yes, that’s right—some mountain ranges are going to be so buried, they’ll need GPS just to escape the snowdrifts.

But wait, it gets better! The volcanic high grounds are gearing up to be snowed in with a staggering 1 to 2 meters (that’s about the height of a toddler, but fluffier) of snow by Sunday night. If you like extreme winter conditions, just put on your best ‘I love hypothermia’ face and head on over to the peaks of Mount Baker or Mount Rainier!

Now while the PNW parties with its snow, California’s Sierra Nevada is preparing for a dramatic entrance of storms starting Wednesday, November 20. These storms are not just a light sprinkle; we’re talking ten days of significant rainfall! Don’t forget your umbrella, folks; you may just need a boat instead!

If the first storm gives you flurries, the second one brings the snow! Brace yourselves—temperatures will drop, and it’ll quickly transition from rain to snow. If you’re in Kirkwood, expect to wake up to a lovely 69 centimeters of snow. Just don’t forget to shovel your driveway, or you might wake up to an uninvited snowman!

Those attending the shindig in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah will also have their share of the winter wonderland—just more on the moderate side. Why moderate, you ask? Because those states just didn’t want to feel left out while the PNW was making all the snowflakes blush!

And right on trend, Chicago—with its pride in late autumn and its love for dramatic weather changes—will likely receive its inaugural snow of the season on Thursday, November 21. After teasing us with an unseasonably warm couple of weeks, Chicago will mix a bit of rain, sleet, and (gasp) snow. So, you better have your gloves ready and maybe a hot coffee to thaw out those fingers!

No significant accumulations are expected yet, but hey, it marks the majestic beginning of winter. Historically, Chicago has been like that kid who shows up late to class, with the first snowfall often arriving earlier than this year’s debut. The last time we saw such a delay was December 5, 1999; it’s making a solid case for itself as the most fashionably late snowfall in decades!

So, for those living in the windy city, prepare yourselves for the impending weather chaos. Because soon enough, not only will you be battling the elements, but you’ll also be contending with snowmen who think they own the place! And remember, as winter approaches, the local economies will get a boost from tourists coming to enjoy the slopes—and avoid slippery roads at all costs!

Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t let the cold weather blow your fantastic sense of humor away. After all, it’s just another Midwest winter! But, if you happen to see a bear walking down the street to grab his morning coffee, let me know. I’m putting that on my Instagram!

As Chicago braces for its inaugural snowfall of the season, temperatures are set to plummet from a warm 18°C down to a chilly 4°C by midweek. This dramatic drop heralds the onset of winter for the city. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP)

The Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and the state of California are gearing up for a powerful wave of winter weather this week, with anticipated heavy snow accumulations that are set to impact travel and outdoor activities. A series of storms moving in from the west will extend their reach to Chicago, where the city’s first meaningful snowfall is expected shortly.

According to a report by TimeOut, weather systems are positioned to impact the Pacific Northwest (PNW) beginning Tuesday, November 19, through Sunday, November 24, 2024. These systems promise significant snow accumulations in the mountainous regions, with the initial systems expected to merge between Thursday and Friday, creating a protracted storm event that could leave a significant footprint of snow across the area.

Ski resorts in the PNW are anticipating dramatic snowfall, with estimates suggesting accumulations at mid-mountain levels reaching between 63 and 89 centimeters at Mount Bachelor, and 51 to 86 centimeters at Timberline. Crystal Mountain is forecasted to receive between 56 and 81 centimeters of snow, while Mount Baker could see between 46 and 71 centimeters blanketing its slopes.

However, the most staggering accumulations are projected for the higher elevations surrounding the region’s prominent volcanoes. Forecasts indicate that the tips of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood may be buried under one to two meters of snow by Sunday night, leading to perilous winter conditions in these high-altitude areas.

In California, a series of storms is poised to commence over the Sierras starting Wednesday, November 20, marking the initiation of a ten-day period characterized by substantial rainfall and snow. The first storm is expected to linger until Thursday night, November 21, followed closely by a second storm that will begin Friday and extend into Sunday, significantly impacting weather patterns.

During this initial phase, snow levels will kick off at 1,500 meters but are projected to climb to 2,700 meters, causing some mountainous areas to receive more rain than snow as the system progresses through the weekend.

The forthcoming second storm system will begin with rain but is expected to transition to snow as temperatures dip. Significant snowfall accumulations are anticipated, with reports suggesting up to 69 centimeters in Kirkwood and around 63 centimeters in Palisades. Lower elevation areas are also expected to receive moderate snowfall, with Mammoth accumulating between 46 and 66 centimeters by Sunday night.

Beyond the significant weather systems affecting the PNW and California, storm activity will also spread into Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, although snowfall totals will be more modest. In Wyoming, the Tetons are predicted to accumulate up to 30 centimeters of snow, while northwest Colorado’s mountains may see 5 to 15 centimeters.

Utah, too, is set to experience considerable storm activity beginning Saturday night, which will stretch into the middle of the following week. Ski resorts in the Cottonwoods are forecasted to receive between 63 and 89 centimeters of snow, while regions near Park City and Deer Valley could also see around 63 centimeters of accumulation, setting the stage for a robust winter season in these areas.

As winter storms blanket the western United States, Chicago is on the cusp of receiving its first winter precipitation on Thursday, November 21. The National Weather Service in Chicago reports a significant drop in temperatures, shifting from 18°C on Tuesday to highs of only 4°C on Wednesday and Thursday, a stark reminder of the changing seasons.

The incoming precipitation will initially start as rain; however, by nightfall, it may transition to a mix of sleet and snow. While significant accumulations are not predicted, this event marks a notable beginning to a winter season that, based on historical averages, typically commences in late October. Notably, the latest recorded first snowfall in the city was on December 5, 1999, making this wait for snow one of the longest in recent history.

Weather forecasts indicate that the western United States might experience another round of storms towards the end of next week, with additional accumulations in ski resorts projected to range between 25 and 50 centimeters. Preliminary details suggest intense winter activity is imminent, providing a much-needed boost to mountain resorts preparing for the ski season.

This combination of weather systems not only invigorates local economies reliant on winter tourism but also presents a warning about hazardous conditions on roads and mountain trails as winter fully sets in.

How can residents best prepare for the winter storms forecasted for the Pacific Northwest and​ California?

**Interview with Meteorologist Sarah O’Reilly ⁤about Winter Weather in Chicago and Surrounding Regions**

**Editor:** Good morning, Sarah! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the winter weather that’s hitting Chicago and other parts of the country. First off, can you give us a ⁤quick overview of what to expect for Chicago this ​week?

**Sarah O’Reilly:** Good morning! Absolutely! Chicago is gearing up for its first significant‌ snowfall‍ of the⁤ season this Thursday, November 21. Temperatures‍ are going to drop sharply from a cozy 18°C ⁣to a⁢ brisk 4°C. So, residents should definitely prepare for⁤ some ‍chilly conditions and, of course, the potential for some rain mixed with snow.

**Editor:** It sounds like quite a transition! You mentioned the snowfall expected—how much⁤ accumulation are we looking at for Chicago?

**Sarah O’Reilly:** While we aren’t expecting significant accumulations⁤ just yet, we could see some light snow⁤ that marks the official arrival ⁤of winter for the windy city. Historically, Chicago tends to be fashionably late with its​ first snowfall, so this year ‍is⁤ actually not too late at all compared ​to some years we’ve experienced.

**Editor:** Fascinating! Now, switching gears to the Pacific Northwest and California—what’s happening in those regions regarding this winter weather⁢ system?

**Sarah O’Reilly:** There’s a robust set of storms making their way through the Pacific Northwest⁢ from Tuesday through Sunday. We’re talking about impressive accumulations in ⁤the mountains, with some areas poised to receive anywhere from ‌63 to 89 centimeters of snow! Higher elevations​ may ‌even see an astounding 1 to ⁤2 meters by the⁢ end of the week. Ski resorts are ‍going to be thriving!

**Editor:** That’s a lot of snow! And ‌what about⁣ California’s Sierra ‌Nevada—how are they preparing for the incoming storms?

**Sarah O’Reilly:** California is set to​ see an aggressive series of storms starting Wednesday, ‌which could lead to ten straight days of significant rain and snow. The first storm will begin with rain but transition to snow as temperatures drop. Kirkwood, for instance, is expected to wake ‍up to 69 centimeters ‌of ‌snow,‌ which ‌will be a welcome addition for winter sports enthusiasts.

**Editor:** With‌ all this winter weather, how​ do you see it impacting ​local‍ economies in these regions?

**Sarah O’Reilly:** Snowfall typically translates‌ to ‍a boost⁤ for local economies, especially in areas reliant on winter⁢ tourism like ski ⁤resorts. People flock to these areas to enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. However, there is also a need for ​caution—heavy snow can ‌lead to travel disruptions and road⁣ safety issues, so it’s vital‍ that people stay informed and prepared.

**Editor:** Great insights, Sarah!‌ Any ‌last tips for people dealing with the impending winter ‍weather in Chicago or elsewhere?

**Sarah O’Reilly:** Yes, certainly! It’s important for residents to bundle ⁤up, keep ⁤an eye‌ on the‍ forecast, and be mindful of changing conditions on‍ the roads. And of course,‌ don’t forget your hot cocoa! It’s all part of the winter experience. ​Stay warm and safe!

**Editor:** Thanks for your time, Sarah! We ⁤appreciate your expertise on this winter weather situation, and we wish everyone a smooth⁣ transition into the snowy season ​ahead.