Timeline: Snow and a blast of Arctic air loom, but warmer temps could as well

The Chicago area is preparing for another blast of wintry weather in coming days, but could warmer temperatures be on the horizon?

Before that part of the forecast rolls around, the Chicago area will have to deal with multiple chances of snow, followed by a brutal cold spell that will bring some of the most frigid temperatures of the season to the region.

After that, things should rebound in fairly short order as the jet stream shifts, bringing the possibility of above-average temperatures in the coming week.

Here’s what you’ll need to know about the days ahead.  

Thursday Night

A quick-moving clipper system is expected to roll through the Midwest on Thursday night and into Friday morning, but most of the Chicago area should be spared any snow from the system.

It could impact areas south of Interstate 80, including LaSalle and Kankakee counties, with minor accumulations possible in those locations, according to forecast models.

Friday

Partly-to-mostly cloudy skies are expected for the final day of the work week, with temperatures in the 20s across most of the area ahead of another storm system that will arrive for the weekend.

There is a possibility of isolated snow showers in the forecast, but significant accumulations of snow are not expected, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Saturday

Widespread snow is expected across the Chicago area on Saturday, though once again the clipper system could slide to the south of the city and primarily impact areas south of Interstate 80.

Snowfall accumulations could amount to half-an-inch or an inch of snow in parts of the area, but south of Interstate 80 accumulations of several inches could occur.

In addition to the snow, much colder temperatures are expected for Saturday, with highs only reaching into the teens, with blustery conditions causing frigid wind chills.

Sunday

Some of the coldest air of the season will arrive in the Chicago area, with high temperatures in the single-digits and wind chills plunging to 10-to-20 degrees below zero for most of the day.

The Chicago Bears game Sunday could be one of the coldest in the history of Soldier Field, and areas away from the lake will be feeling the bone-chilling cold as well, with readings struggling to reach 10 degrees.

Next Week

The first hints of a warming pattern will emerge on Sunday, with highs in the low-to-mid 20s and partly-to-mostly sunny skies, according to forecast models.

Tuesday should be even warmer, with readings heading back above the freezing mark as another weather system prepares to arrive in the area, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

The warmest temperatures of the week could arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, and although rain showers are possible on those days, the possible readings in the mid-to-upper 40s would certainly be welcome news for residents thawing out from a frigid weekend.

Be sure to download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts send directly to your phone, and stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team all weekend long.