This morning, Chicagoans bundled up against the chill, marking the end of an unseasonably warm start to the new year. Scattered snow showers briefly swept through the city but dissipated before 8:00 A.M., paving the way for a mostly sunny day. However, brisk winds, gusting up to 25 mph, will keep temperatures feeling colder, with a high near 24 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The chill signals the arrival of a more persistent cold snap. FOX 32 Chicago reported that "every day this year has been warmer than normal," but that trend ends today. Residents should brace for at least one to two weeks of colder weather, though its severity is expected to be less intense than initially forecasted.
Tonight, wind chill values may plummet to around -1, heralding a sunny but frigid weekend. Saturday's high is projected near 22 degrees, with similarly brisk temperatures extending into the following week. Skies will remain mostly clear overnight, but lows will dip to around 13 degrees, accompanied by gusts up to 25 mph.
Looking ahead, a significant storm system could affect the region by Sunday into Monday, bringing snow to parts of the city. FOX 32 Chicago warns that southern counties might see a couple of inches, with a 60% chance of snow in Chicago before Monday morning. As the storm moves out, a cold front will ensure highs stay stuck in the 20s.
By midweek, Chicagoans can expect partly sunny skies, but daytime highs will struggle to rise above the low 20s, and nighttime lows will hover near 12 degrees. Thursday's mostly sunny forecast offers little reprieve, with a high near 20 degrees.
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