Temperature turnaround continues this week

In December’s first nine days, Chicago’s temperatures averaged nearly 12 degrees below normal, but the next seven days look to make up a good portion of that deficit. Readings for the Dec. 10-16 period are projected to average nearly 10 degrees above normal. Temperatures this week are expected to stay within a narrow range with extremes from the upper 20s to mid 40s as opposed to the wide swings (from near zero to the mid 30s) experienced Dec. 1-9. The still rather extensive snow cover—especially to the west and north—will continue to hold highs in the lower 40s at best, while in the city proper and to the south and southwest over bare ground, readings may be some 10 degrees or more higher. However, clouds, rain, fog and consistently mild temperatures will take a significant toll on the snow cover.
In the Pacific Northwest, an unrelenting series of storms continue to dump heavy rains along the coastline and heavy snow in the mountains.
--By Paul Dailey, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist