Chicago weather: Arctic cold front will usher in frigid temps this weekend

Cold Front on the Horizon 

CHICAGO - Temperatures have soared well into the 40s on Friday afternoon under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. Highs will top out in the upper 40s for most of the Chicagoland area.

Rain, Wintry Mix Ahead:

A strong cold front will move through the area Friday night, ending our brief warm stretch. The front will bring in the chance of rain along and south/east of I-55 this evening and tonight. 

Rain may change to a wintry mix or snow early Saturday morning before exiting the region.

Much Colder Weekend:

Saturday will be a much colder day with daytime temperatures in the 20s. Gusty north-northwest winds will hold wind chill temperatures in the single digits. 

There is a chance that we could see lake effect snow developing and impacting northwest Indiana, but it isn't a guarantee. It'll be something to watch on Saturday.

Frigid Start to the Week:

Temperatures will continue to drop going into Sunday. Sunday temperatures will be in the single digits with wind chills as low as -5 to -15. As temperatures drop below zero Sunday night into Monday morning, wind chills may be as cold as -20 to -25 by daybreak Monday.

Monday and Tuesday will be frigid with subzero lows, single digit highs, and wind chills well below zero. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes with these conditions.

Relief from the cold will arrive towards the middle to end of next week. Wednesday's highs will warm into the mid 20s and then we're near 30 on Thursday.