Early-bird risers who step into sub-zero temperatures this morning might find it hard to believe, but it’s true: The city will be basking in 50° readings (or higher) in another three days.
A major weather pattern shift begins haltingly on Friday as upper winds that have been blowing with considerable strength from the northwest gradually diminish and are replaced by southwesterlies. Southwest winds, surface and aloft, strengthen on Saturday, then persist through Monday.
Mild, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico arrives here on Saturday and, as that air spreads across our snow-covered landscape, it becomes a recipe for a heavy gray overcast, widespread fog and plenty of light rain and drizzle through the weekend. The multi-inch layer of ice and crusty snow that blankets the area today will be history by Monday.
-By Richard Koeneman, 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.
