March 05--Chicago is bracing for a rare blast of late-season cold with the possibility of potential record-breaking subzero temperatures Thursday and Friday mornings.
Temperatures will then start a huge rebound that could see a surge of more than 55 degrees by the middle of next week.
Since 1871 Chicago has logged subzero readings on only six days beyond March 4, but the city could log back-to-back subzeroes the next two mornings.
Despite an abundance of sunshine Thursday, high temperatures are expected to fall short of 20, making this the coldest March 5 in 114 years since the day's record lowest maximum of 12 was established in 1901.
Before next week's warmup, the temperature increases will be modest, with highs stair-stepping to near 30 Friday and into the lower 40s Monday before a major surge into the 50s by Wednesday.
The overdue warmup should greatly reduce the city's still substantial snowpack.
