Buckle up—winter just slammed on the brakes. Painful wind chills are hitting today, with another arctic blast arriving this weekend. From Chicago to the South, the thermometer is dropping fast, and wind chills are making it feel absolutely brutal outside. This is the kind of cold that bites if you're exposed—frostbite is a real concern, especially in places like the Midwest where conditions are particularly severe. The cold is sharp and intense, requiring heavy layers, insulated gear, and extra caution if you're heading outdoors for any length of time.
Here's the plot twist: a brief midweek warm-up with rain will give way to a potentially wintry system and brutal cold by the weekend. Wednesday and Thursday should bring some relief and a chance for temperatures to climb. You might even see rain in some areas instead of snow. But don't get too comfortable—that's just the calm before the winter storm. The real event kicks off as the weekend approaches, bringing the kind of weather that makes you want to stay inside. This pattern shift sets up perfectly for a significant winter system to develop and move in right when the weekend starts.
As of Tuesday morning, confidence remains high for snow this weekend, with strong high pressure positioned to the north. Snow is possible Saturday afternoon or evening, with the bulk of the storm happening Sunday, and preliminary estimates suggest 6-12 inches of snow. That's significant accumulation—enough to impact travel and outdoor plans across multiple regions. The recipe is in place: cold Arctic air meeting moisture-rich conditions to create the kind of winter storm we haven't seen much of this season. If you're in a region expecting snow, now's the time to stock up on supplies, charge your devices, and make sure you're prepared. Roads could become slick, so travel plans should be adjusted accordingly.