Arctic Cold Retreats, Hugh Warm Up Into Next Week

Our recent cold spell is as cold as I want it, but alas, we know it'll get colder the deeper we get into the next several months.  However, for this weekend into some of next week, temperatures will soar way above average/normal as the upper storm track has lifted back to the north.  Remember just days ago, sub-zero cold poured over the northern tier of states.  That Arctic air mass has retreated back into central Canada and Alaska where it's still 30-40 below zero.

Temperatures above freezing have surged back up to Chicago.  It's all because the upper trough over the east has lifted out with a general SW flow taking over across the country.  This will bottle up any real cold air to north of the U.S. border.

But it's not forever.  Look how the upper air pattern changes to an East Coast trough again late next week. The top graphic is valid for Friday followed by Saturday.

Unlike yesterday's model run, today's has backed off on deepening the trough over us.  The bottom view is valid for Sunday having the deepening occurring over the Carolinas.  That will keep the core of the cold well to our north and east.  Unless future model runs change, I am not expecting freezing temps to return south of the Lake for next weekend.  But we have time to watch that.

We do have a weak cold front that will near us before stalling on Sunday.  Note the bulk of the rains are already northeast of us.

As the front stalls and winds decrease, dense fog could become a problem?  Dew points have already jumped back above 60 and should remain there most of next week.

Let's pay attention to see if the upper pattern allows the Arctic air to move over us late next week.  Right now, I'm thinking no.  All my plants are back outside.  Finally, all season I have favored the Saints.  Not this weekend as LSU's Jayden Daniels will run wild against us.  Washington 31, Saints 17.  Now before you bet the house, this is the same guy who thought Ohio State would cream Michigan since the defending national champs had no quarterback.  Maybe Coach Rizzi can motivate our guys to play their hearts out?  Maybe our defense can have a "spy" follow Daniels and force him to throw into coverage?  Yeah, and maybe I'll win the Powerball!!!   Stay tuned!