National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Fresh Snow and Temperature Outlook Ahead of Christmas Day

If you are looking for fresh snow by Christmas morning or are curious about potential travel disruptions, the best chances for at least 1" of new snowfall early this week exist across the mountainous West, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Otherwise, temperatures this last full week of December will average above normal for much of the lower 48 states. Read More >

The NOAA Weather Radio Routine Weekly Test will be conducted on Tuesday, March 3 at 10:00 am CST instead of Wednesday this week in recognition of Illinois Severe Weather Awareness Week.  This is done to coincide with testing of outdoor warning sirens done by many communities in Illinois on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am CST.  The Weekly Test will return to its normal schedule next week.

Please take a moment to practice your severe weather emergency sheltering plan during the weekly test.  At the very least, answer this question – Where would I take shelter if a tornado were approaching me right now? The best shelters are in a basement, or in an interior room on the lowest floor of the building away from windows and exterior doors.

It is important to have multiple ways to receive hazardous weather information. Having a battery backup weather alert radio is one of the best ways.