After last week’s early season chill, Chicagoans can gear up for a return of mild weather that should dominate the entire week ahead. The first five days of November averaged nearly 10 degrees below normal, but that deficit should quickly erode as temperatures surge here this week. After a second straight day in the 50s on Monday, readings should climb into the 60s on Tuesday (Election Day) and continue through Friday with the distinct possibility of a record or near-record high in the lower 70s Wednesday.
The mildness here is due in part to a westerly jet stream, bringing mild Pacific air across the nation. While Chicago reaps the benefits of this pattern, it’s producing major weather problems in the Pacific Northwest where the moist flow off the Pacific is expected to produce up to 10 inches of rain as it moves upslope into western Washington and Oregon. Flood watches have been posted along with high wind watches as winds up to 60 m.p.h will lash the area.
--By Steve Kahn, 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.
