Despite a shift to strengthening southerly flow, the warmup early this week will be slowed considerably by the extensive and deep snow that blankets the Chicago area. In addition to the declining angle of the sun’s rays, their warming impact will also be lessened by reflection off the fresh, thick snow (high albedo). Thus, our warming Monday and Tuesday will be minimal, with highs both days in the 30s.
By Wednesday, the snowmelt will be accelerated by strong, mild, moisture-laden southerly winds, bringing 40-degree dew point air into our area.
As a low pressure system approaches from the west, rain will spread into our area Wednesday night. An extended period of rain with occasional downpours, along with the melting snow, could cause heavy runoff and considerable localized flooding.
