CHICAGO – A Winter weather warning was issued for the Chicago area Thursday morning due to snow, strong wind gusts and slippery conditions.

The advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the following counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will.

Light snow persists in scattered form early this morning. Impacts related to the early rush should be minimal.

The “show” arrives from the north starting around 8 a.m., traveling through Chicagoland until early afternoon. Snow could fall at an impressive rate with temperatures just below freezing. Totals between 2 and 3 inches appear likely, with major roadways less affected due to heavy travel and warm roadway temperatures. Winds gusting above 40 mph, however, will complicate travel by reducing visibility over slippery areas.

Around 2 p.m., light rain and drizzle will mix in as temperatures aloft and at ground level climb. This will encourage melting and the afternoon ride should be just damp. High temperatures today won’t occur until nightfall and will likely drop to just under 40 degrees.

Unlike many snow “storms,” this one will not be followed by freezing temperatures. All night temperatures will be well above freezing, with temperatures in the low to mid 40s tomorrow to clear out any remaining snow on the ground. Saturday through Tuesday the air will be dry and milder, with high temperatures ranging from the upper 40s Saturday to the lower 50s Monday through Tuesday.

Normal dates for the first fall snows are: The first trace is October 31. The first measurable trace of 0.1 inch or more is November 18. The first inch or so is December 7th. We had a trace of snow yesterday and we definitely will. measurable snow and most likely 1 inch or more today.

This morning, Chicago fell below freezing for the first time since March 28.