Chicago's "snow drought" continues, and no snow of consequence is expected through the current seven-day forecast cycle. The city's seasonal snow total through Jan. 2 stands at a meager 0.9 inches, or only nine percent of the normal of 10.3 inches.
However, computer models persist in indicating a major weather pattern shift to wetter and more stormy conditions beginning about Jan. 10-11. Strong warming that is to carry Chicago's temperature above 50 degrees by Jan. 9 is an initial sign of further big changes ahead.
The atmosphere sometimes balances unusual weather in one location against an equally unusual but opposite kind of weather in another. As an example, while Chicago sits practically snow-free, 8-10 inches of snow will bury the Big Bend area of southwest Texas by Friday. Even 1-3 inches of snow is expected on the border with Mexico.
