The Chicago area typically sees its first trace of snow Oct. 31, Roman said. The area's first measurable snow -- 0.1 of an inch or more -- usually comes Nov. 18, Roman said, and the area's first average snow of one inch or more typically occurs Dec. 7.

Rain returns Wednesday night in Chicago. Wednesday will be a mostly dry day with some sunshine. Highs will be slightly milder int he mid 50s. Rain moves in after dark and lingers into the night. The bulk of the rain is expected to end early Thursday morning.

It's a "pea soup" start to Thursday around Chicagoland, with fog, overcast skies and scattered showers covering the area in the early-morning hours. Visibility is down to a mile or so in some locations,

Off and on rain showers will continue today. At times rain will be moderate in intensity resulting in an additional quarter of an inch for some. Rain amounts will be manageable for everyone with no flooding concerns.