The first and most modest of at least three surges of arctic air predicted to invade more and more of the Lower 48 over the next two weeks is in place Thursday. But, in a winter as mild as this one, even modest cold surges are noticeable. Wind chills hover in single digits or low teens as thermometer readings struggle to move out of the low 20s. That’s lower than typical late January temperatures—but a far cry from the intense chill which can occur this time of year. Weather records reveal two-thirds of the coldest winter weeks which have occurred since 1960 have begun before this date. Other than in far western suburbs, the sub-zero chill which gripped the North Woods of Wisconsin and upper Michigan early Wednesday, has failed to reach the city proper and its close-in suburbs. That’s unusual. Only 15% of cold seasons since 1871 have failed to produce at least one 0° (or lower) temperature by this date.
--By Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
