Much of this winter's cold air mass has been locked up in the provinces of Canada due to a predominantly zonal upper air pattern. This prevailing weather pattern has a large part to do with the lack of cold air and snow here in Chicago. It's been a weather pattern that has resulted in unusual and even record-breaking statistics. A few records have either been tied or broken including January 1, 2013's tied record with January 1, 1924 for the latest sub-freezing high temperature, the most consecutive days (310) without having a sub-freezing high temperature, and last but not least the most consecutive days (315 and counting) without having a snow depth measured of at least 1".
Other unusually high statistics includes
* recording 354 days of having high temperatures at or above freezing, which ranks as the 2nd greatest number of days within a year of having a high temperature at or above freezing
*Through January 5, Chicago records its first 1" or more of snow with total of 1.3" ranking as the 4th latest date before Chicago picked up its first 1" snow in a season
A couple of other important statistics that are on the verge of being broken (the first one this week, the second one next week) is eclipsing the longest streak of days without having an inch or more of snow fall from a single storm system. Currently, we are at 318 days. The record is 319 days set back on January 6, 1940. The other statistic that is closely being monitored is the latest first calendar day without having an inch or more of snow fall. Currently, we are ranked 7th on the list. The record is January 17, 1899.
Rain, not snow, is in the forecast later this week as the region is in the midst of a warming trend that will send temperatures into the 40s today through Thursday and possibly into the 50s Friday and Saturday.
Complete Forecast
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid to upper 40s. Winds south 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Winds south 10-20 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. P.M. showers likely. Highs in the mid 40s. Winds east-southeast 10-20 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with showers ending in the morning. Highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Winds southwest 5-15 mph.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for rain. Highs in the lower 50s. Winds southwest 10-20 mph becoming northwest late.
Sunday: Partly cloudy and sharply colder. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds north-northwest 5-15 mph.
Monday: Partly cloudy and cool. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy and cool. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
8-15 day temperature trend outlook
Wednesday Jan. 16: Highs in the 20ss/30s.
Thursday Jan. 17: Highs in the 20s.
Friday Jan. 18: Highs in the 20s/30s.
Saturday Jan. 19: Highs in the 30s.
Sunday Jan. 20: Highs in the 30s.
Monday Jan. 21: Highs in the 30s.
Tuesday Jan. 22: Highs in the 30s.
Wednesday Jan. 23: Highs in the 30s.
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