Just when we thought we were out of the woods when it came to seeing more snow this year, Mother Nature is once again trying to prove us a wrong. This truly seems like the winter that will never end!
A potent storm system will send an area of low pressure directly over parts of Eastern Iowa and Northern Illinois this Saturday. Ahead of this system, widespread moderate to heavy rains will arrive by sunrise Saturday morning and continue through much of the day. Strong east winds gusting to 30 mph at times will limit highs to the lower 40s and make it feel extremely chilly.
As the system wraps itself up, enough cold air will filter in on the backside allowing a brief changeover from rain to snow here in our local area. This transition is likely to occur between 6pm and 8pm, with just a brief two hour window or so where some snow could mix in with the rain before it ends.
The highest probability for any accumulating snow will be tied to the north of I88 closer to the Illinois/Wisconsin border. That’s where temperatures will cool off enough and snowfall rates will be heavy enough to support some accumulation, especially on grassy surfaces. If you plan to travel to the north of our local area, be prepared for the possibility of reduced visibility and slick travel in spots.
Closer to home the snow isn’t expected to be heavy enough for much if any accumulation in Lee and Whiteside Counties. Our ground continues to warm and pavement temperatures remain well above freezing. No travel problems are currently anticipated. You’ll want some indoor plans though for the day, especially with those brisk east winds and rain expected.
Dry conditions will return for Sunday along with a brief warm up as highs recover into the upper 50s.
LATEST SNOWFALL RECORDS:
Latest 0.1″ or more of snow: 5/13/1935
Latest 1.0″ or more of snow: 4/23/1967
