1st IL Winter Storm Could Bring Heavy Snow, Gusty Winds: NWS

ILLINOIS — With the possibility of a strong storm system moving across the region next week, the National Weather Service has said the track and snow amounts are still uncertain.

Several forecasters and weather outlets are already discussing the possible snowstorm that could hit the Chicago area next week, which would be the first major snowfall this winter.

The weather service that "a pattern change toward snowier and colder conditions" looks to arrive early next week. There is a possibility that a strong storm system, with gusty winds and heavy, wet snow, could move across the Chicago area.

"The threat of accumulating snow will depend on the eventual track of the system, which will be refined in the coming days," the weather service said.

The time frame for the storm would be Jan. 9 to Jan. 11.

The weather service advised keeping up-to-date with the forecast, relying on dependable sources for weather forecast information, and planning a head for possible travel impacts.

January tends to be a cold and snowy month for the Chicago area. According to historical data from the weather service, the average temperature for the month is 25.2 degrees, and the area typically sees 11.3 inches of snow.