Explainer, PAUL MERZLOCK

Sunday's high temperature in Chicago reached 43 degrees officially at O'Hare International Airport. This warm-up will be short lived. Several weak disturbances are forecast to pass across the upper Great Lakes region. These will act to reinforce cool air across the Chicago area through midweek. Though chilly, forecast temperatures are far from extreme. By Thursday, warmer air over the western U.S. is expected to move into the Midwest. Forecasts suggest the month of November, 2012 will close near normal in temperature. Atmospheric low-level moisture will remain limited, giving little chance for measurable rain through Friday. Through November 25th, Chicago has received a mere 37% of its normal rainfall for the month. Currently, the month is tied for being the 16th driest November on record.