Pattern change next week brings winter-like temperatures to the Great Lakes



Temperatures are going to take a dive beginning next week with highs likely only topping out in the 30's.  A pattern change within the atmosphere will allow Arctic air to move into the Plains and Midwest behind a very strong cold front Monday night.  While temperatures will certainly feel like winter, it may also look a little like winter for some as well.

Models have been hinting over the past couple of days that with the cold front there will be enough lift and possibly moisture to provide at least a little light snow Monday night through Wednesday.  But as the old saying goes: 'The devil is in the details'.  Just how much moisture and the exact track of the front and upper level features will determine who receives what and how much of it.  Unfortunately this far out, those answers remain a little fuzzy.  Even as the cold front moves into central and southern Illinois Tuesday, cloud cover and cold air will likely produce at least flurries Tuesday and Wednesday.  As the weekend moves closer we'll be able to better pinpoint snow versus a rain/snow mix and who will see what.