Hang on to your hat! It's going to be one crazy weather day Thursday.

It will start with occasional rain and nearly balmy temperatures of 48 to 50 by 11 a.m., according to the forecast for this area by the National Weather Service, based in Romeoville. By mid-afternoon, though, temps will be plummeting to 35 and a stong wind from the northwest -- with gusts ranging from 25 to 50 mph -- will kick in, forecasters say.

Expect about an inch of snow accumulation initially and then potentially heavier snow overnight. Temps will fall even further, down to about 23, the forecast says.

A winter storm watch will be in effect early Thursday evening throughout the night, with a chance of thunderstorms. A winter storm watch "means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel." The wind could cause white-out conditions, the forecast says.

The weather service is still not predicting how much accumulation we might receive locally; generally, it could be as much as six inches in the north and northwest suburbs and possibly two to three inches to the south.

For Friday and the rest of the weekend, expect upper 20s to low 30s during the day and 17 to 22 degrees at night, forecasters say.

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