Ice storms are not that rare in the Midwest but are more common in other parts of the country, like the Appalachians or Ozarks. Yet Saturday, parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin are enduring a second ice storm in three days, with another three days of freezing rain or sleet possible.
This type of frozen precipitation occurs when above-freezing rain at some lower level in the atmosphere overspreads below freezing temperatures at ground level. These freezing rain events can cause significant problems for trees, power lines, and motorists. On the warmer side of the air mass, Chicago has been spared so far, but is close enough to the next ice storm to keep it in the forecast Monday.
Before that, another shot of mild air sweeps through from the south for a mild day Sunday. Thereafter, temperatures return toward normal, with rain or snow possible on most days in the upcoming week.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
