Long term weather records reveal that, on average, as many days of sub-32° and sub-zero cold are on the books by Jan. 18 as are likely to occur from this date forward in what remains of the cold season. The same is true of snowy days. Historically, roughly as many days of measurable snow remain as have already occurred by this date. Thus, from the standpoint of these meteorological benchmarks, we’ve reached the approximate mid-point in Chicago’s winter season.
Chicago’s coldest daytime temperatures in 11 days are predicted Wednesday, though the chilly air’s stay is to be a short one. The brief cold punch is unlikely to derail the remarkable streak of above normal temperatures which has dominated the past 26 days.
Snow, in such short supply here, fell with gusto in parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Tuesday. Chippewa County was buried by 16” of snow.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
