Chicago records measurable snow for the first time since March

The Chicago area was hit with its first measurable snowfall of the winter Tuesday, with forecasts calling for 1 to 4 inches of snow.

By early afternoon, moderate to heavy snowfall was reported across most of northeastern Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow was expected to begin tapering off around 3 p.m., ending sometime this evening. The sudden winter weather was reducing visibility and making roads slick just before the evening rush.

A winter weather advisory for Chicago and the collar counties remains in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Wet snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible north of Interstate 80 and near Lake Michigan, with 4 inches possible near the Wisconsin border.

The last measurable snow to fall in Chicago was on March 15, when 1.8 inches were recorded at O’Hare International Airport. The average first day for measurable snow in Chicago is around Nov. 18.

The previous date for the latest measurable snow in Chicago was Dec. 20, 2012, the weather service said. While some areas have seen trace amounts of snow, measurable snow is defined by at least a tenth of an inch on the ground.

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Some areas can expect light snow overnight Wednesday into early Thursday morning with a mix south of the city.

Then, drying out for Thursday with mostly cloudy skies. A potentially more potent storm could hit this weekend and needs to be watched.

A mix on Saturday then snow overnight into early Sunday. Much colder by Sunday with highs only in the 20s.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.