The Midwest is in for a wild weather ride over the next three days. The weather of two seasons is to visit the region before the weekend closes. Friday's descent back into frigid arctic air is to be a brief one. The arrival of south winds Friday night initiates a period of rising temperatures. Saturday's strengthening south winds are to propel high temperatures nearly 20 degrees higher than Friday -- levels well above freezing. But the most eye-catching weather changes arrive Sunday. That's when a powerhouse winter storm takes control of the area's weather, promising a real meteorological roller-coaster ride between Sunday and Monday. Chicago, which is to find itself on the the "warm" side of the system at the start, will see 40+ m.p.h. south winds that push temperatures into the low 50s Sunday -- the highest levels in a month! Thunderstorms can't be ruled out Sunday night ahead of a precipitous temperatures crash Monday.
BLIZZARD, WINTER STORM WATCHES HOISTED FROM ROCKIES TO PLAINS AS WINTRY BLAST CRASHES OUT OF CANADA
Nine states are under winter-storm watch conditions through Saturday. Blizzard conditions are expected in Montana.
--Tom Skilling, Chief Meteorologist, WGN-TV/Chicago Tribune
