Chicago residents are gearing up for a brisk but sunny day as temperatures are set to peak around 50 degrees, though strong winds are also on the menu. According to NOAA's National Weather Service, there is a wind advisory in effect for the area due to gusts that could reach up to 45 mph this afternoon. Such blustery conditions are expected to subside by evening, with more calm winds forecasted for Wednesday ranging from 5 to 15 mph.
The FOX 32 Chicago weather report confirms the sunny disposition of today's weather, adding that winds will ease tonight making for a "mostly clear and seasonably cool" evening. Looking ahead, Wednesday is shaping up to be a cooler day with a high near 41 and ample sunshine, while conditions on Thursday might include a 20 percent chance of rain amidst otherwise mostly sunny skies. It is the storm system approaching from California that captures our attention, with its history of rain and mountain snow, and its potential to impact the region with precipitation by Thursday night.
The lack of rainfall in Chicago this January has been nearly record-breaking. With a total of only 0.23 inches at O'Hare so far, this month is on track to be the third driest in recorded history, trailing behind January 1981's 0.10 inches and January 1919's 0.20 inches. However, this standing could change with the incoming weather system, which is expected to bring more than half an inch of rain — maybe even snow — and concerns of possible flooding due to the frozen ground.
As explained in the FOX 32 report, the Weather Service office in Romeoville measured a frost depth of a foot, signaling that the incoming rainfall won't seep into the ground like it normally would. Instead, it could run off across the frozen surface, raising the risk of flooding. "Ground that isn’t frozen can absorb the rain in this manner" writes FOX 32. With the ground's current frozen state resembling more of a flat rock than a sponge, the city could face significant water runoff issues towards the end of the week.
The weekend forecast points to quieter conditions with temperatures continuing to remain above normal levels. The city will have to endure the week's windy and wet crescendo before settling into what's expected to be a more tranquil and mild close to the month.
