Chicago will experience a return to winter weather on March 16, with cold temperatures, snowfall, and strong winds expected throughout the day. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory, forecasting up to 2 inches of snow accumulation by about 4 p.m., with high temperatures reaching only 25 degrees and wind gusts as strong as 45 miles per hour.
The hazardous conditions are likely to make travel difficult, with low visibility, snow-covered roads, and icy surfaces reported in some areas. The National Weather Service said wind gusts could also knock down tree branches. The agency recommended that people delay travel if possible, keep distance from other drivers, and travel at “safe speeds.”
Air travel has also been affected by the weather. According to the city’s Department of Aviation, O’Hare International Airport saw 384 flight cancellations and 233 delays within the past 24 hours. At Midway Airport, there were 23 canceled flights and 115 delays during the same period.
The winter weather advisory is set to end around 1 p.m. Monday. Afterward, Tuesday is expected to bring sunnier skies but continued cold temperatures with highs near 26 degrees; it could feel as cold as one degree below zero due to wind chills. Wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour are also forecast for Tuesday.
Warmer conditions are expected midweek as Chicago’s temperature rises to around 42 degrees on Wednesday. Thursday may see highs close to 50 degrees, while Friday is predicted to be mostly cloudy but could reach up to 54 degrees.
