December-like weather continued Monday, with area temperatures peaking in the mid- and upper 30s. Snow passed south of the immediate metro area, with 1- to 2-inch amounts accumulating from St. Louis, across central Illinois, to portions of northwest Indiana.

Area temperatures are expected to stay below freezing Tuesday. Chicago’s last official subfreezing day was Feb. 12, when the high reached only 27 degrees. There are signs the current cold pattern is relaxing. Southwest winds are to lock in by Thursday, propelling temperatures to the mid-40s, a bit closer to our normal high of 50. Medium-range forecasts suggest readings may climb above normal around Thanksgiving.

Our weather is also expected to be dry. Only scant precipitation is forecast through next week.