Even though it’s gotten colder, daytime readings are still registering at seasonable levels in the lower 30s. That should change by next weekend, however, as two reinforcing surges of arctic air finally send the mercury plunging to levels not seen here since Dec. 21. Several periods of snow showers will occur through the week, but significant snowfall is not expected with the exception of the favored lake-effect snow belts of northern Indiana.
In contrast to the mild weather that has been so prevalent across Chicago and the Midwest for the last six weeks, cold weather—even by Alaska standards—has been gripping our northernmost state. An all-time record low of -56º was set on Feb. 3 at Point Lay on the western Arctic coast, while nearby Barrow’s low of -55º (also on Friday), came within one degree of that location’s lowest reading ever set back in 1924.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
