There hasn’t been a Thanksgiving this cold in Chicago since 1956. A potent early season arctic outbreak has arrived on powerful northwest winds—stacked vertically through the atmosphere and the underbelly of a 180 m.p.h. northwesterly jet stream roaring into the country from Canada.
Surface wind gusts in excess of 40 m.p.h. at times will slash daytime temperatures 20 degrees from yesterday’s levels in the mid 40s.
Afternoon thermometer readings are likely to linger in the upper teens or low 20s—but wind chills will hold to single digits and near or just below 0° at times.
The frigid air which grips Chicago Thursday had origins 1,200 miles to the north only 24 hours ago. Its descent into the United States crushes the record warmth recorded in the Plains Wednesday. Records included 69° at Rapid City, S.D. and Hastings, Neb.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
