Drastic weather changes are in store for the Chicagoland area today/tonight. It's a weather pattern change that will take us from late March/early April to mid January in a matter of hours. Much of the talk this winter season has been about the lack of cold and snow. Things, however, are about to change.
A strong cold front is expected to move over the region later this afternoon. Behind it is a massive wall of arctic air that has already plagued the western U.S. Temperatures will drop from the 50s this morning into the 20s by this evening and according to many weather models is looking like it will not warm back up anytime soon. High temperatures for all of next week will range in the upper 20s to lower 30s with lows in the teens/20s.
The cold front that's to pull across the region tonight will be accompanied with moisture that will surge northward from the southern U.S., a region that will be on alert for severe weather this afternoon. The atmosphere at the time of the precipitation's arrival will be cold enough for rain to mix with ice and snow if not all ice and/or snow. At least portions of the area could see some ice and snow accumulations tonight. Winter weather advisories are already in place across parts of southwest Illinois, much of Missouri, eastern Kansas, and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Whether or not an advisory is issued for the Chicago area, the coming weather will likely result in travel impacts and all are urged to be safe out on the roads.
Complete Forecast
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for rain/snow late Saturday. Some accumulation is possible. Highs in the lower 50s. Winds southwest 10-20 mph gusting to 30 mph and becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Sunday: Partly cloudy and sharply colder. Highs in the upper 20s. Winds north-northwest 5-15 mph.
Monday: Partly cloudy and cool. Highs in the upper 20s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy and cool. Highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny and cool. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds northwest 5-15 mph.
Thursday: Partly cloudy and cool. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds west 5-15 mph.
Friday: Partly cloudy and cool. Highs in the lower 30s. Winds west 5-15 mph.
8-15 day temperature trend outlook
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 20s.
Wednesday Jan. 23: Highs in the 30s.
Thursday Jan. 24: Highs in the 30s.
Friday Jan. 25: Highs in the 30s.
Saturday Jan. 26: Highs in the 30s.
Sunday Jan. 27: Highs in the 40s.
Be sure to check out my National Environmental News page for weather/climate related content and other environmental news.
Click on the "Subscribe" button above and enter your e-mail address to receive a free alert to our inbox when a new article is published by the Chicago Weather Examiner. Follow us on Twitter! Become a fan of the Facebook page!
Comments