PHOTOS: See Chicago's first snowfall of the season

Chicago drivers, travelers caught off guard by periods of heavy snow

Snow has been falling for hours across Chicago and its causing travel delays on the road and at the airports.

CHICAGO - Residents in the Chicago area were hit by a wintry scene on Thursday morning, as the season’s first accumulating snowfall blanketed the region.

Snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches were expected, though heavy road traffic and warm pavement temperatures kept major roads largely clear.

Unlike typical snowstorms, this snowfall won’t bring a cold snap. Overnight lows will stay above freezing, and temperatures are set to climb into the mid-to-upper 40s on Friday, quickly melting any remaining snow.

Chicago weather: Snow shifts to rain

FOX 32s Kaitlin Cody breaks down todays wet weather outlook.

Looking ahead, the weather is expected to stay dry and mild from Saturday through Tuesday, with highs gradually rising from the upper 40s over the weekend to the low 50s early next week.

The normal dates of first fall snows are as follows: