Not since 1963 have the opening 10 days of January been cloudier. Just 3% of this area’s possible sunshine has been recorded. The period’s 1.37” of precipitation ranks 13th wettest of the past 135 years. On average, Januarys here host 43% of their possible sun. Clouds lingering in the wake of an icy overnight weather system promise a continuation of the month’s dismal character Tuesday. The storminess here pales in comparison to the downpours which have flooded southern California. Four-day rain totals have been astronomical in the mountains near Los Angeles and San Diego. By late Monday, 27.64” had fallen in Opids Camp while Beverly Hills recorded 10.57”.
Winds, originating Tuesday more than 900 miles to the south near Biloxi, Miss., head for Chicago Wednesday with 50° highs. But, arctic air likely to produce lows of -35° over the upper Midwest Thursday night, will send temps here diving more than 50 degrees to near 0° by Friday morning.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
