The week before Christmas has been mild the last three years, but this year, last minute holiday preparations will be carried out under the added strain of cold weather and the threat of some snow. The first arctic blast is hitting the city today with wind, below-zero wind chills and some passing flurries, but the city is escaping the heavy lake effect snow that is targeting areas to the east in northwest Indiana. After a brief rebound above freezing Tuesday, a second onslaught of cold will arrive, keeping the city cold right through Christmas. While a significant snowfall does not appear to be in the cards for Chicago, a threat of snow on Monday and some passing flurries during the upcoming week may be just enough to whiten the ground for some holiday atmosphere and help send temperatures into subzero territory on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- the city’s first subzero readings since late January.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
