A severe winter storm is currently hitting Chicago, with significant snowfall disrupting travel and daily activities. An intense band of lake-effect snow is delivering precipitation at rates exceeding three inches per hour, leading to hazardous travel conditions throughout the city. According to the National Weather Service, the conditions may be classified as “dangerous to nearly impossible.”
Arctic Air and Its Impact on Chicago
This winter storm is a result of an Arctic blast advancing southward, which is causing a record-setting cold snap in the eastern United States. Chicago is facing snow accumulations that could dramatically vary from block to block. Areas under the band may see totals ranging from a few inches to more than a foot by midday Monday.
Historical Context of November Snowfall
- Chicago has not experienced a ten-inch snowfall since January 2021.
- The last time the city recorded ten inches in November was in 2015.
- The all-time largest November snowfall is a remarkable 12 inches set back in 1895.
The effects of this Arctic cold snap extend well beyond Chicago. Regions around the Great Lakes are also bracing for heavy snowfall, driven by this unusual cold mass. Reports have confirmed that neighboring areas, such as Valparaiso in northwest Indiana, received six inches of snow in just over two hours.
Implications of the Cold Snap
The polar plunge is impacting temperatures across a vast region. Low temperatures could drop to or below freezing as far south as Texas and Florida. Atlanta, for example, is experiencing a significant temperature drop, with highs on Sunday around 70 degrees, plummeting to the upper 30s on Monday.
Cold Records at Risk
On Tuesday morning, several southern cities may face potential record lows. Key locations that could experience these chilling conditions include:
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Savannah, Georgia
- Tampa, Florida
- Fort Myers, Florida
It’s anticipated that Washington, DC, and New York City will also log their coldest temperatures for the season on Tuesday morning, with Washington expecting around 30 degrees and New York struggling to reach the mid-40s.
Broader Winter Weather Patterns
This Arctic air mass is not just impacting the Midwest but is poised to affect the eastern two-thirds of the United States. Areas downstream of the Great Lakes can expect continuous lake-effect snow. Higher elevations in West Virginia, along with parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, are likely to accumulate several inches as well.
Fortunately, residents can expect a quick rebound from this cold snap. Temperatures are projected to rise in the central U.S. by Tuesday, with much of the East warming up on Wednesday. The current weather pattern underscores the volatility of fall weather as the seasons transition.
