Chicago and the eastern third of the country better get used to Wednesday’s chill, since overwhelming forecast evidence points to a prolonged cold spell. With the jet stream locked south of Chicago for at least two weeks, temperatures should remain below normal through the period. Extended strings of cold, cloudy weather with flurries are not unusual in March, the most recent occurrence was just last year.
In the current regime, our jet stream remains well south, and begins to sink southward across the West, replacing the several weeks of warm weather there. The resultant cool pattern across the lower 48 is a difficult one to dislodge, hence the high confidence in extended chilly weather.
Snow Thursday could total an inch or more, and a new system with lighter amounts on Friday. The bulk of the energy with future systems should track south of Chicago.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
