Temperatures to plunge; subzero wind chills ahead
Air of Arctic origin swirls into Chicago Monday night and Tuesday, and the resultant temperature crash sends the city's readings from the lower 30s today to near zero, at least in the suburbs, 24 to 36 hours later.
Strong winds and light snow, too, will accompany the temperature dive. Snow flurries and periods of somewhat more sustained light snow are likely to linger through Tuesday, but this is only a nuisance snow event. Two-day accumulations of less than two inches are indicated. Of greater significance: 20-30 m.p.h. northwest winds and subzero wind-chill temperatures on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, beneficial rains spread across the drought-stricken Southeast on Sunday, putting down 1 to 2 inches of desperately needed rain. However, thunderstorm winds damaged eight homes in Liberty, Ga., Sunday afternoon.
--By Richard Koeneman, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist