The White Christmas which seemed assured just a few days ago is in jeopardy. Friday’s temperatures soared into the 40s across the region for the first time this month. Combined with higher dew points and south winds, the snow cover was cut in half. Midway’s 6 a.m. report of 5 inches was reduced to 2.7 inches by 6 p.m., while O’Hare melted its 3 inches to a scant 1 inch. Further melting is likely Saturday with rain and 40° highs.
Rain is unusual at this time of year, occurring only 10 percent of the days on Christmas Eves past. This rain mixes with snow overnight Saturday, and tapers off to flurries early Christmas morning before ending.
Thereafter, a zonal west-to-east jet stream will keep arctic air locked north in Canada, suggesting temperatures each day will climb above freezing. Any frontal passage during this time should be weak with little precipitation.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
