**Gradual Temperature Increase with Snow on Wednesday**
After several days of dangerously cold temperatures in the Chicago area, relief is on the way, but not without a touch of snow. The mercury is expected to slowly rise on Wednesday, bringing a glimmer of hope to frozen residents, but the bone-chilling cold will linger for a bit longer.
**Sporadic Snowfall and Subzero Wind Chills**
As temperatures begin to climb, so will the winds, with wind chill readings plummeting to as low as -18 degrees in Valparaiso and -13 degrees in Chicago between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The snowfall is expected to kick off in the morning hours in areas north of Interstate 88, with up to an inch of accumulation possible. For those south of Interstate 88, the snow will start in the late afternoon and continue into the night, with similar accumulation values.
**Slippery Conditions and Reduced Visibility**
While the snow accumulation is not expected to be significant, the extremely cold ground temperatures will create slippery travel conditions on untreated roadways. Reduced visibility is also a concern for drivers, making the commute potentially hazardous. Additionally, the National Weather Service warns of possible lake-effect snow in northeast Porter County in Indiana on Thursday, while the rest of the Chicago area is expected to stay dry.
**Ice Jams and River Rises**
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service cautions about the risk of ice jams and localized rapid river rises later in the week as temperatures climb back above freezing on Saturday. So, while the gradual temperature increase brings some respite from the bitter cold, it’s essential to remain cautious and prepared for the changing weather conditions in the days to come. Stay safe, stay warm, and be mindful of the slippery roads as winter continues its grip on the region.