February 2013 has opened up very active with a series of clipper systems. Each day this month or for four days straight, Chicago has recorded measurable snowfall of at least 0.1" of snow. That's the longest such streak in over four years since 8 straight days Jan. 6-14, 2009. More than 50% of the snow that has fallen this entire season, has fallen over the past four days and 85% of the season's snow has fallen over the past 2 weeks. One more clipper system (storm system #1 for the week) is set to arrive late tonight into Tuesday. This will be the fourth clipper system over the past week. This clipper system will pass mainly to our north but will coat the area with anywhere from a dusting to 2 inches by Tuesday afternoon. The weather pattern stays active for the rest of the week and possibly beyond.
Storm system #2 - Thursday
Late Wednesday into Thursday, a shortwave/disturbance associated with an area of low pressure ejects out of the Plains. As this moves eastward, precipitation will develop and overspread the region midday Thursday. Temperatures will hover around the freezing mark which makes this an event to closely watch in the coming days. At this point, it appears that areas north of Chicago will see mainly snow with areas south of Chicago seeing mainly rain. It's a dicey weather situation that's worth close monitoring and could involve a wintry mix. Precipitation will end late Thursday as the system pushes out of the area.
Storm system #3 - Sunday/Sunday night
A larger and more organized storm system develops over the Eastern Rockies/ Central Plains this weekend. Precipitation will begin to develop and move into the region during the day on Sunday. Temperature profiles suggest that we will be in the lower 40s meaning that this will mainly be a rain event. Rain will come to an end late Sunday.
Storm system #4 - Tuesday night/Wednesday
This one is a bit far out, but current indications is that this storm system will result in a snow or a rain to snow combination late Tuesday and Wednesday.
Complete Forecast
Tuesday: Partly cloudy and cooler. Chance for light snow. Snow accumulations of a dusting to 2 inches. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy and seasonable. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy and seasonable. Chance for rain, sleet, and/or snow. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Friday: Partly cloudy and seasonable. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds west 5-15 mph.
Saturday: Partly cloudy and mild. Highs in the upper 30s. Winds southwest 5-15 mph.
Sunday: Partly cloudy and mild. Rain likely. Highs in the lower 40s. Winds southwest 5-15 mph.
Monday: Partly cloudy and cooler. Highs in the mid 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
8-15 day temperature trend outlook
Tuesday Feb. 12: Highs in the 30s.
Wednesday Feb. 13: Highs in the 20s.
Thursday Feb. 14: Highs in the 30s.
Friday Feb. 15: Highs in the 30s.
Saturday Feb. 16: Highs in the 20s.
Sunday Feb. 17: Highs in the teens.
Monday Feb. 18: Highs in the teens.
Tuesday Feb. 19: Highs in the teens.
Wednesday Feb. 20: Highs in the teens/20s.
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