Chicago could see its first big winter storm early next week

A developing system could bring the first major snowstorm of the season to Chicago early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

According to a tweet from the weather service, a change in weather patterns indicates cold and snowy conditions beginning Monday night into Tuesday. The storm could bring strong winds and heavy, wet snow to the Chicagoland region.

According to reports, the forecast is ever-changing. Some models predict as much as 7 inches of snow, while others predict a rainy mix. While the exact forecast remains uncertain, a significant storm will likely hit the Midwest next week.

Chicago experienced the warmest December on record in 2023 and has seen little more than flurries this winter season. The unseasonable temperatures are brought on largely by the El Niño phenomenon when warm sea level temperatures in the Pacific create warmer and drier winter conditions.