What is a polar vortex and how cold will it make Chicago?
The polar vortex is an ever-present, large area of low-pressure and frigid air surrounding the Earth's poles.
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The polar vortex is an ever-present, large area of low-pressure and frigid air surrounding the Earth's poles.
True arctic air briefly returns to Chicago with dangerous wind chills by Thursday morning.
By Thursday morning, air temperatures are in the single-digits -- even near zero degrees in far western suburbs -- with wind chill temperatures approaching Cold Weather Advisory criteria, as low as -10 to -15 degrees.
After enjoying unseasonably mild weather Sunday and Monday, another cold snap blows in starting Tuesday bringing the coldest air of the season.
The coldest timeframe will be Thursday morning with wind chills of -5 to -15.
Spotty rain showers are expected late Sunday night.
Saturday's afternoon highs will top out in the middle 40s.
CBS News Chicago chief meteorologist Albert Ramon has the latest 7-day forecast.
CBS News Chicago chief meteorologist Albert Ramon has the latest 7-day forecast.
Temperatures climb to the low 50s on Sunday.
Winds will relax a bit Thursday night but remain breezy enough to keep wind chills in the single digits Friday morning with air temperatures in the 10s.
More than 300 public facilities that serve as warm indoor spaces are also available during cold weather.
Wind chill values will range from 5 to 15 degrees below zero this morning.
A weather alert took effect Wednesday evening for snow squalls that may bring damaging winds, low visibility, and slick roadways on your evening commute
Wind chills Thursday morning will be very cold, between -5 and -15 degrees.
A relatively quiet day is ahead on Tuesday with highs closer to freezing underneath a partly cloudy sky.
The cold stretch continues for a few more days.
Overnight lows will drop back into the teens, feeling like the single digits at times.
We are tracking a very brief warm-up to near-normal temperatures Wednesday before another cold snap blows in.
Temperatures drop back down into the teens for lows tonight, and wind chills will be near 0.
Unseasonably cold weather continues to blow our way from Canada, with little changing in the temperature department until a brief "warm-up" next Wednesday.
Early morning clouds and flurries depart to give way to some afternoon sunshine.
After Chicago's coldest Thanksgiving Day in 10 years, temperatures get even colder through the holiday weekend.
Morning Turkey Trots will be brisk, with wind chills in the 20s.
If you are staying local in Chicago, whether that be getting to your holiday destination or have any last-minute grocery shopping to do, clouds will remain in the area.
