Chicago’s temperatures have registered above normal every day since Dec. 23, and this string is expected to continue through the upcoming week, during a period that historically brings the city some of its coldest weather. The third week of January is notoriously cold in Chicago, a time were double-digit subzero cold is common. However, that will not be the case this January, as high temperatures are expected to top freezing every day and overnight lows should remain above 20º.
Though the region remains locked in drought, Friday’s substantial rain/snow event brought some of the heaviest precipitation totals in many months. With the latest computer forecasts hinting at more generous and frequent precipitation totals in the next few weeks, there may be some hope for easing drought conditions. After December brought a record-tying 10th consecutive month of below normal precipitation, the city needs only 0.57” to push January levels above normal.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
