A potentially high-impact winter system will approach the Stateline this weekend, bringing the potential for accumulating snow to parts of the Midwest. This system is currently still off the coast of the Pacific NW, thousands of miles away. As it approaches shore, weather data will be able to get a better view of how it may interact with the cold air locally and how much snow could come down.
FRIDAY: Much of Friday will end up dry locally in the Stateline, but the initial band of snow will approach Friday night into early Saturday morning. Snow showers will start out on the lighter side, with some drier air in the low levels limiting accumulations at first.
SATURDAY: Steady to heavy snow will spread over the area throughout the duration of the day Saturday. Snowfall rates may approach 1" per hour at times, with the heaviest of the snow coming between Saturday morning and Saturday night. The rain/snow line will remain in Central/Southern Illinois, keeping Northern Illinois as just snow for the precipitation type.
Chances for accumulating snow have been steadily increasing, with the highest potential for accumulating snow centered directly over the Stateline. One thing we will need to watch for is what's called a "dry slot" where snowfall amounts could be limited by drier air wrapping into the back end of the system. Once the system reaches the West Coast, weather models will have a better idea of track and placement of the heaviest snow, so stay tuned for an initial snowfall forecast Thursday evening!
One thing is much more certain, the travel back from Thanksgiving festivities will be messy on Saturday. Steady to heavy snow will be likely throughout the day, and snowplows may have a hard time keeping the roads clear with the long duration of snowfall. Early Friday or later Sunday afternoon will be much better for travel, before or after the system has passed. Saturday is the day to avoid travel if you are able to.
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