There's no question but that the mercury is poised to move much higher A major pattern shift is gradually evolving which will bring milder air to the eastern half of the nation later this weekend and beyond. Gone (for a while anyway) will be days where the high barely cracks freezing. Instead, 40+ readings will be the rule starting Friday area-wide. The only real question is HOW warm we can get over the next several days. Thus far, I have been reluctant to post a 50, even in the face of computer projections of highs well into the 50s as early as Sunday. Well, as of today, those same computer models are pulling back the highs to the point that the warmest number in the next 7 days is only 46. The primary reasons for my thermal conservatism have been what I fear will be widespread cloudiness and showers, as well as a frequent easterly component ot the wind, which means lake cooling. If 50s do occur, they will be most likely south of Chicago Sunday or Monday.
Mike
