Chicago and much of the northeastern quarter of the country are locked into a cool, fairly dry pattern that shows no sign of breaking for more than a week. At a time when 40 percent of the days normally reach 50° or higher, Chicago could only manage 39° on Friday, with similar temperatures expected right through next weekend. On the bright side, most days should feature some sunshine and only moderate north winds.
The next chance of precipitation returns Tuesday—as snow—with blustery north winds. However, the storm track is forced well south by this mountain of high pressure, so Chicago will be on the northern fringe of the storm.
Computer guidance shows a light at the end of the tunnel in about 10 days. This stubborn chilly pattern finally shows signs of retreating north near the end of March. By then, an invigorated surge of the jet stream will bring Pacific fronts and the promise of milder air eastward at regular intervals.
--Dennis Haller, WGN Weather Center meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
