More snow in Chicago this weekend, with ‘regular chances’ for snow and slick roads into next week

Chicago’s snowy start to December was expected to continue this weekend, starting late Friday night, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.

And while accumulations are possible, it doesn’t mean another major snowstorm is coming.

According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, Friday during the daytime hours would be dry, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 20s.

“The high temperature will actually occur overnight,” Roman said, with some parts seeing 30 degree readings.

Also overnight into Saturday morning is the first chance for more snowfall, with a light, wintry mix expected in some areas.

“Maybe even some freezing drizzle,” Roman said.

After that, the next “disturbance” expected to begin around 11 p.m. Saturday, bringing widespread snow but minor accumulations through Sunday morning and afternoon.

Sunday’s snow would end at about noon, Roman said, though lake effect snow was possible Sunday night, primarily across Cook and Lake Counties in Illinois and possibly parts of northwest Indiana.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, another disturbance was expected, though higher temperatures could create a rain-snow mix, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.

“We’ll have the chance of snow that may also mix with sleet and rain in the afternoon,” according to Jeanes. “There may be some big snow totals across Wisconsin from this one, so we’ll need to watch for any shifts in the storm track.”

The National Weather Service described the weather pattern as “clipper fronts” moving through about every 36 hours, with “regular opportunities for snow and travel impacts.”

“Picture it like a moving conveyor belt locked in place,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said. “Multiple weak storm systems are going to develop and move along this conveyor belt over the next week or so.

These weaker systems are called “Alberta Clippers,” Jeanes said. The name is derived from two elements: fast-moving ships in the 1800s called “Clippers,” and the fact that these areas of low pressure typically form in western Canada.  They move fast, and don’t usually carry a lot of moisture to bring significant amounts of snow.

Still, accumulations are possible.