Inland locations of California, Oregon, and Washington experienced highs well into the 80s and 90s Thursday; meanwhile, New England shivered in the 40s and lower 50s with freezing rain and wet snow observed in the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire. Chicagoans located in between, ended up with readings in the lower 70s, about half-way between the two extremes. Today could see more of the same although skies over northeast Illinois will start out sunny but quickly see popcorn-like cumulus clouds develop during the forenoon with scattered showers even thunderstorms during the afternoon. Cold air aloft and heating at the surface will create very unstable atmospheric conditions over northern Illinois today. By early next week the upper low should be well to east, still dominating New England weather, while Illinois appears to be establishing a slow warming trend culminating in 80° temps Thursday.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
