Saturday, January 12, 2013

Springlike Temperatures for Chicago Before Quick Shift to Cold

By Jillian Macmath, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
January 12,2013; 10:35AM,EST




It will feel like springtime in Chicago for part of this weekend as temperatures hover around 50 degrees F beginning Saturday morning. A steep drop in temperatures is in store for the city come nighttime, however.
A plunge of about 20 degrees will take place as the afternoon and evening hours pass, putting temperatures in the upper 20s by the late-night hours, and ending the brief period of warmth.
"This happens a few times each winter," said AccuWeather.com Expert Meteorologist Bob Larson. "It's nothing out of the ordinary. It can be a shock to the system, but its nothing unprecedented or unusual."
A cold front will push in Saturday from the North and West while a storm system rises from the South.
The storm will supply the moisture, and when the two meet the Windy City may be in store for a wintry mix.
Depending on when this occurs, the storm could produce snow through the night and into Sunday morning.
"Even though this isn't, by Chicago's standards, anything that would be considered a major winter storm, this is significant," Larson said.
As of Jan. 11, 2012, Chicago has had 322 consecutive days without one inch of snow. This storm could break the streak, producing about an inch over the weekend.
Travelers should exercise caution Saturday and Sunday as untreated roadways will be slick.
This storm is likely the start of a cold couple of weeks for Chicago.
"It's certainly at least the last bit of warmth for the next week or two," Larson said

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