weekend-weather-forecast-anticipating-major-changes-in-chicago-area

**Weekend Weather Forecast: Chicago Braces for Drastic Temperature Plunge**

Chicago residents, bask in the unseasonable warmth while you can, but brace yourselves for a significant weather shift on the horizon. This weekend promises a rollercoaster ride of temperatures that will have you reaching for your winter gear in no time.

**Anticipating a Chilling Transformation**

As Friday rolls in, the Windy City is set to experience a balmy spell, with temperatures soaring into the upper 30s and possibly even the low 40s. This surge may mark the highest temperatures recorded this year so far, offering a fleeting taste of spring. However, this warmth is fleeting, as a dramatic shift awaits.

**From Rain to Snow: The Big Chill**

Prepare for a swift turnaround as Friday night heralds the arrival of a cold front. What begins as rain will swiftly transform into a wintry mix, with snowflakes dancing in the air by Saturday morning. Highs will plummet back into the 20s on Saturday, setting the stage for an icy weekend ahead.

**A Deep Freeze Grips the City**

By Sunday, temperatures will nosedive further, plunging into the low teens and even hitting single digits in some areas. The night from Sunday to Monday paints a bleak picture, with temperatures expected to plummet to a bone-chilling minus 5 degrees. Factor in the biting wind chills, and we’re looking at a frigid start to the week.

**Amtrak Cancels Trains Amidst Arctic Conditions**

The Arctic blast gripping Chicago has prompted Amtrak to cancel several train services in and out of the city. The Empire Builder train, slated to journey from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, will remain grounded due to the extreme cold. Passengers bound for Spokane from Chicago will also face cancellations, as the bitter temperatures take hold.

**Historic Lows Loom Ahead**

As Monday and Tuesday unfold, the mercury is set to dip below zero, with forecasted lows of minus 7 degrees on Monday night. These bone-chilling temperatures could rival the coldest days Chicago has seen in recent years, harkening back to the icy depths of January 2019.

**Light at the End of the Tunnel**

While the freeze grips the city, hope is on the horizon. By midweek, temperatures are expected to climb back into the 20s, offering a reprieve from the bitter cold. Keep a close eye on the ever-changing forecast with the NBC 5 Storm Team for real-time updates on this weather rollercoaster.

Stay warm, stay safe, and brace yourselves for the frosty embrace of winter in full force.