Be prepared to take advantage of a warmer weekend before the bitter cold sets in next week, potentially breaking records in the Chicago area.
Temperatures are expected to be in the upper-40s to low-50s on Saturday, a much-needed improvement from this week's winter-like weather.
Although the weekend is expected to start off on a sunny, mild note, snow could start falling even before the work week begins. An arctic front might move in late Sunday night, bringing snow showers to the Chicago area.
Chicagoans will want to make sure to wear extra layers starting Monday when the area will likely see its first taste of the brutal cold.
The forecast highs for Monday and Tuesday sit at 27 and 25 degrees, respectively, as of Friday. The record on each day is 28 degrees, with Monday's record dating back to 1894 and Tuesday's set in 1995.
Factor in blustery winds and things could feel as cold as 4 degrees with winter still almost 40 days away.
Highs rebound slightly into the low-30s mid-week.
