Our days of mild weather are over.

A big pattern change is forecast to occur, starting Tuesday, that will send temperatures plummeting to the coldest levels yet this season, according to the National Weather Service Chicago.

The cold will be in addition to continuance of the blustery conditions that triggered a wind advisory Monday that is in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph are expected during the advisory.

“Driving can be made difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Small branches can be broken off trees and loose objects may be blow,” the NWS-C said.

According to the NWS-C forecast, windy conditions will continue as temperatures drop. The high temperature for Tuesday is expected to be 34 degrees. That compares to a projected high of 64 degrees on Monday.

“Gale warnings remain in effect, and the only adjustment was extending the open water gale warning into mid Wednesday morning,” the NWS said. “The strong low over the upper Mississippi Valley will continue to deepen as it moves to central Ontario by mid-day Tuesday.”

The low`s cold front will push across the lake after midnight, and storm force gusts are expected over the northern end of the lake.

“I did not have enough confidence in persistent storm force winds to go with a storm force warning,” the NWS forecaster said.

The low will continue northeast, and west gales will continue into Wednesday morning. West to northwest winds 20-30 knots persist through Friday. A surface low/cold front turn winds north late Friday night into Saturday morning.”

Winter Safety, Preparedness

The National Weather Service wants you to be prepared for hazardous weather year-round. The aim of the National Seasonal Safety Campaign is to build a Weather-Ready Nation, one that is prepared for extreme weather, water, and climate events.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service’s Winter Safety Page.