Weather Forecast: Temperatures to Plummet in Chicago
As the week begins, Chicago is in for a double-edged sword – a brief respite from the cold and a major temperature swing that will bring flurries and frigid wind chills. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, the mild temperatures on Monday will give way to a blast of Arctic air that will make it feel like -20 degrees.
Mild Temperatures on Monday
The week started off on a relatively warm note, with rain coming to an end and temperatures already in the upper 40s in most areas. By afternoon, highs in the low 50s were expected, according to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman. Clouds were expected to clear by afternoon, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s on Tuesday.
Cold Front Moves In
Things take a turn on Wednesday as a front moves in, bringing a blustery and colder day with a chance for snow flurries. Temperatures will drop into the 20s, with colder air moving in soon after. By Thursday morning, temperatures will plummet into the single digits, with wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees.
Arctic Air Returns
"Arctic air is back," Roman said, referring to Thursday’s Chicago-area forecast. "Some of the coldest air so far this season." However, by Friday, temperatures are expected to rise back into the 30s, and rebound back into the 40s by the weekend.
Above-Average Temperatures in December
According to Roman, above-average temperatures could stick around as December continues. "There’s a pretty good probability that between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22, we will have above average temperatures," Roman said, noting average highs this time of year were in the mid-30s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the weather like on Monday?
A: Monday will be a mild day with clearing skies and highs in the lower 50s.
Q: How cold will it get?
A: Temperatures will drop into the single digits by Thursday morning, with wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees.
Q: Will the cold air last?
A: The Arctic air will last through Thursday, but temperatures will rise back into the 30s and 40s by the weekend.
Q: Will it stay cold in December?
A: Above-average temperatures could stick around as December continues, with a good chance of above-average temperatures between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22.
