Winter Storm Could Hit Illinois: NWS Calls For 'Wintry Pattern Change'

ILLINOIS — A "wintry pattern change" is coming next week to the Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service.

After a winter so far of mild temperatures and little snow, computer model guidance is "showing an unusually strong signal for a transition to a colder and snowier pattern next week," the weather service said on its Facebook.

Besides some flurries expected on Wednesday, no snow accumulation is expected this week. But next week, a strong storm system will be in the region around Jan. 9 to Jan. 11, according to the weather service.

"It's too soon to talk snow amounts (including where), though we'll be able to create preliminary forecasts later this week," the weather service said.

The weather service advised keeping up-to-date with the forecast, and relying on dependable sources for weather forecast information.

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.