First flakes recorded today, more possible tomorrow

Although it may seem early for the first snowflakes to have fallen in the Chicago area today, meteorologists said the flurries came about 10 days later than in the average year.

The flakes were part of a mixture of rain and snow, but flurries were confirmed at O’Hare International Airport and throughout some Western and Northern suburbs Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow fell from about 1:50 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., when temperatures dropped to 39 degrees, down from 62 degrees, which was recorded at 11 a.m.

“It’s a little bit later than usual to get our first snow flakes. The average is usually in late October,” meteorologist Gino Izzi said. “There could be some more this week. There’s a chance of showers tomorrow — could be some rain or snow.”

Although temperatures never reached freezing today, Izzi said the snow formed in the clouds and there was not enough warm air near the ground for the flakes to melt in time.

Strong gusting wind throughout the day teased of the upcoming winter by producing wind chills that fell into the upper 20s during the afternoon, Izzi said.

Gusts of 40 mph were recorded at O’Hare, 39 mph in Wheeling, 38 mph at DuPage Airport and 43 mph in Sugar Grove.

The average date for a trace or more of snow to fall in Chicago is Oct. 30, but the earliest flakes were recorded on Sept. 25 in 1942 and again in 1948, according to the National Weather Service. The latest date fell on Dec. 5 in 1999.

The average date for a measurable amount of snow to fall in the Chicago area, one-tenth of an inch or more, is Nov. 16.

The forecast for tonight calls for lows in the lower 30s with continued strong winds. Thursday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of shower and light snow showers with highs in the upper 30s.