Chicago's near-record snowless streak finally ends
This sets record for latest first snow in Windy City's history
CHICAGO – A near-record snowless streak in Chicago came to an end Tuesday thanks to a band of snow moving through the Midwest.
The Windy City has received trace amounts of snow during December, but the last measurable snow fell on March 15 when 1.8 inches was reported at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Measurable snow is defined as a tenth of an inch or greater.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a tenth of an inch was received at 12:10 p.m. Central.
The day ended with a total of 1.5 inches of snow at O'Hare, according to the NWS. A little more than 2 inches fell at the NWS office.
Tuesday's snow ends the 287-day stretch without snow for Chicago, making it the second-longest snowless streak in the city's history. The longest is 290 days in 2012.
However, it does set a new record for the latest first snow for Chicago. The previous record was Dec. 20, 2012.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Chicago area until 6 p.m. Central, as forecasters warn of steady snow and slippery roads. Less than an inch of snow is expected for much of the region.