Cold front brings unpredictable weather and snow to Chicago area
- A cold front brought variable clouds and created conditions for snow showers in the Chicago area on Monday.
- Temperatures throughout the day were expected to fall into the teens by evening, following minor snowfall accumulations.
- Residents should prepare for significantly colder conditions expected to continue throughout the week.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, a cold front moved into the Chicago area, causing variable clouds and initiating sporadic snow showers. The weather conditions were influenced by strong winds, which made visibility low throughout the day. Accumulations from the sporadic snow were expected to be minor, estimated to be up to 0.2 inches on grassy surfaces, but the cold front also brought dangerously low temperatures, which were forecasted to fall throughout the day into the evening. By the end of Monday, temperatures could dip into the teens or mid-20s in the nighttime, leading to a cold overnight period across the region. Following the cold front and snow showers, temperatures on Tuesday were anticipated to be only in the lower 40s, which is significantly cold for early April. The weather is expected to improve slightly with sunshine forecasted for Tuesday, providing a bit of relief from the recent chill. However, more precipitation is expected to arrive on Wednesday, leading to a transition from light snow in the morning to warmer rain later in the day, followed again by a potential brief change back to snow as the system exits on Thursday morning. Forecasts suggest that while the early part of the week will experience chilling conditions and the typical lake-effect snow showers, by the end of the week, temperatures are expected to rebound to near normal levels for this time of the year. Rainfall is expected to total between 0.50 to 0.75 inches during the mid-week storm system, thereby providing the region with much-needed moisture. The varying temperatures and precipitation forecast support a shift in weather patterns from a cold spell to slightly warmer conditions, marking a typical transition for the Chicago area during April. This cold weather pattern reflects broader trends seen during the month of April, often characterized by fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather, as transitional seasons can yield a mix of winter and spring elements. Chicago residents have to remain cautious and adapt to quickly changing weather as they navigate their daily activities, especially during this time when temperatures can vary largely within a week.