Not only did Chicago eclipse the 54 degree record high originally set in 1907 when the mercury reached 60 degrees Sunday afternoon, but the day's 41 degree low also established a new record high minimum, wiping the previous record of 40 degrees (also set in 1907) from the books.
With a strong southerly flow of air expected to blast the city again on Monday, it's a good bet that more records will tumble. With high temperatures forecast to reach the lower 60s, the Jan. 7 record high of 59 degrees (set in 1907) appears to be in jeopardy, and with downstate readings on Sunday climbing well into the 60s, it is not out of the question that the city's all-time January high temperature of 67 degrees, established on Jan. 25, 1950, could be equaled or surpassed.
However, the unseasonable warmth will be fleeting. Colder air poised to sweep into the area beginning late Tuesday sets up a gradual temperature decline expected to last for the rest of the week.
--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.
