Late January thaw to extend into February
Winter’s grip on Chicago will relax a bit in the upcoming week with the possibility for seven consecutive days with highs above freezing. Though maximum temperatures early in the week will be capped in the middle 30s, afternoon highs by the end of the week should climb into the lower 40s resulting in a marked decline in the area’s ample snow pack.
While the Chicago area is thawing, Atlanta along with much of the Southeast is reeling from the effects of a major ice storm. At least one-quarter inch of ice accumulated in the Atlanta area Saturday, knocking out power and shutting down every interstate in the area. Air traffic was crippled as hundreds of flights were canceled and there were at least three traffic fatalities.
As January, 2005 enters the record books, the month will be remembered for its snow—the 9 days with an inch or more of snowfall, two major snowstorms and a monthly snow total that will approach 30 inches.