Every day that passes without a sub-zero temperature or a major snowstorm is like cheating winter out of another day, but that's been the pattern so far. However, Chicago's weather history tells us that the great majority of Chicago winters brings at least a few sub-zero days and at least one major snowstorm. It's likely, therefore, that the other meteorological shoe will eventually fall, and computer models have begun to suggest that will happen late this week.
Energized by a vigorous merger on Friday of frigid air from snow-covered central Canada and warmth and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, a potent low pressure system has Chicago in its sites.
Until then, the city's "snow drought" continues. Monday extends the string of days without a one-inch snow storm to 318 days, Tuesday will tie the 1940 record string, and Wednesday will break it.
