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Chicago chills out, then warms up: Winter's wild swing
6 Jan
Summary
- December averaged 27.0 degrees, 3.5 degrees colder than normal in Chicago.
- Chicago experienced 9.5 inches of snow in December, above average.
- Temperatures are forecast to rise 20 degrees above normal, reaching over 50 degrees.
Following a harsh winter start with the coldest and snowiest December since 2016, Chicago is now experiencing a temporary warm spell. Last month, average temperatures hovered around 27.0 degrees, a significant 3.5 degrees below normal, and the city received 9.5 inches of snow. This pattern contrasted sharply with the western U.S., which saw record warmth and dry conditions.
Meteorologist David Yeomans reports that a shift in weather patterns is bringing southerly winds, expected to raise Chicago's temperatures by 20 degrees above average. Forecasts predict highs could exceed 50 degrees by Thursday afternoon, offering a brief respite from the winter chill. This change is attributed to a new stormier, cooler pattern developing across the west.
However, this period of warmth is not expected to last. Colder, more typical January weather is slated to return this weekend and continue into next week. Snow showers are a possibility for the Chicago area beginning Saturday, signaling a return to more seasonal conditions.
