Winter weather alerts issued for some ahead of next clipper system

ALERTS: Clipper system #1 dragged a warm front through the region overnight. Ahead of it was a batch of light snow that was enough to produce a dusting. Winter weather alerts are being posted this morning for clipper system #2 which is expected to sweep in this evening into Wednesday morning. Right around 3:30 this morning, the National Weather Service placed Stephenson, Jo-Daviess, and Carroll Counties under a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. This will run from 6PM this evening until midnight. 

TIMING: Ahead of this next clipper system, a breezy west to southwest wind will draw in both warmth and moisture, but the warmth won't be felt right away. Temperatures will climb but likely fall short of their full potential due to the deep snowpack. This means temperatures may only rise to, or just hover around the 32-degree mark. 

This will be warm enough for any precipitation at the beginning of the event to fall as a freezing rain/wintry mix. Significant ice accumulations are not expected, but it doesn't really take much ice to cause problems, and we could see some icy travel for at least the late-day commutes. Be mindful of sidewalks as well as a light glaze may cause further issues. 

With the low tracking across southern Wisconsin, this would leave us on the warmer side overnight into Wednesday morning. In fact, forecast models keep the rain/snow mix (32 degree) line close by, in between highway 20 and highway 11. Precipitation will likely remain a rain/snow mix across northern Illinois, with temperatures being cool enough for mostly snow up in our southern Wisconsin counties. 

  

By Wednesday morning, a strong cold front will pass through, allowing another dose of frigidly cold air to spill in for the second half of the week. Temperatures will drop as the Wednesday progresses, falling into the mid 20s by the evening. This is why we will see a quick transition to scattered snow during the morning commute hours. Similar to this evening, travel with extra caution as the the snow and wind could reduce visibility but also allow slick spots to form. 

ACCUMULATIONS: Unlike the past few clipper systems, the highest potential for accumulating snow with this one will be to our north. I do think most will wind up with a dusting to 1" with the higher totals being in southern Wisconsin. Highs will stay in the 20s for Thursday and Friday before dipping into the single digits this weekend.