Readings failed to break above 32 degrees Friday for the first time this season. Chicagoans haven't shivered through a day as cold in nearly seven and a half months. The chill arrived 10 days earlier than it did last year. The first day in 2006 with a high of only 32 degrees was Dec. 2. Chilly as it was, at least residents on this side of the lake didn't have to deal with the 8.3" of lake-effect snow which accumulated over two days at Benton Harbor, Mich., and finally ended Friday afternoon.
High clouds comprised of ice crystals streaming northeastward off a Plains storm system late Friday evening produced a halo -- a bright circle -- around the moon which caught the attention of a number of area residents. The clouds responsible are to thicken into a fairly solid overcast which may produce a few flurries Saturday before breaking and allowing intervals of sunshine.
Meteorological autumn's final weekend is underway. December -- the start of meteorological winter season -- begins next Saturday.
--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.
