Feb. 20--The mercury still reads below zero early Friday morning, but the frigid cold will not again reach record lows like Chicago saw Thursday.
Temperatures were as low as 5 degrees below zero in the Chicago area Friday, according to the National Weather Service. That temperature could dip a degree or two more before beginning to rise Friday morning, but it will not fall enough to beat the day's record low of 9 below set in 1896.
The wind chill could reach 15 below zero in the morning, but the region will see steadily rising temperatures all day and through Friday night, said National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Donofrio. Highs could reach into the low 20s.
Friday should also see light snow in the afternoon with accumulation up to one-half inch, according to the weather service. Temperatures will continue to warm Saturday, reaching highs around 30 degrees. Unfortunately, the relatively warm temperatures should not last long, Donofrio said. He said the area is in for a "bit of a roller coaster" when it comes to temperatures.
Sunday is expected to be colder, with highs in the mid teens and lows in the single digits. Wind chills could reach 10 below zero. Monday will see temperatures continue to dip into the single digits before climbing as high as 20 degrees by late next week.
After closing schools Thursday, Chicago Public Schools announced classes would resume Friday. The cold also caused some headaches for Metra riders Thursday, with heavy delays reported on the Metra Electric District. As of 5 a.m. Friday, Metra trains were reportedly running on schedule, as were CTA buses and trains. Check back for more information.
