Bitter Cold Hits Chicago, Arctic Blast to Follow
The Chicago area woke up to bitter cold temperatures on Wednesday morning, with temperatures in the single digits or even below zero.
According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, a brief warm-up is on the way, but an "Arctic blast" will move in by late this weekend, with below-average temperatures expected to continue through the end of the month.
Sub-Zero Temperatures Across the Region
Around 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, several parts of the region, including Aurora, Kankakee, DuPage, and Waukegan, were seeing sub-zero temperatures, with temperatures ranging from -4 to -6.
Cold Temperatures to Continue Through the Week
Cold temperatures will remain in the forecast for Wednesday, with a high of 21 degrees, although wind chills will make it feel like the single digits.
Snow Flurries Expected Wednesday Night
Wednesday night, light snow flurries are expected to begin around 6 p.m. to the north and west, with more widespread flurries expected around 9 p.m. Snow will continue overnight but will end before the Thursday morning commute.
"Only a dusting," Roman said, of the amount of snow expected to fall. "Not a whole lot of snow," with most areas seeing less than an inch.
Temperatures to Thaw Gradually
Temperatures will thaw gradually, Roman said, with highs in the mid-30s on Thursday and a high of 40 degrees by Friday. A wintry mix is possible on Friday night into Saturday morning.
Arctic Blast to Bring Colder Temperatures
By Sunday, temperatures are expected to plummet back down to the teens, with even colder values expected next week, especially on Monday, where a high temperature of 5 degrees is expected. "Another Arctic blast," Roman said, of the colder temperatures to come.
Bitter Cold to Last Through the End of January
The bitter cold is expected to last through the end of January, Roman said, in both Chicago and most of the country.
Below-Average Temperatures Expected
According to the latest extended forecast models, Northeastern Illinois is expected to see below-average temperatures over the next eight to fourteen days. That means temperatures are expected to be below 31 degrees, Roman said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected high temperature on Thursday?
A: The expected high temperature on Thursday is 21 degrees.
Q: How much snow is expected to fall on Wednesday night?
A: Only a dusting, with most areas seeing less than an inch.
Q: When will the cold temperatures end?
A: The bitter cold is expected to last through the end of January.
Q: What is the expected high temperature on Monday?
A: A high temperature of 5 degrees is expected on Monday.
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