Chicago Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch ahead of Christmas. temperatures will be in the 30s with some afternoon sunshine. Temperatures will be near 29 degrees Wednesday.

Significant snow totals are still possible, with the latest models predicting between about 7 and 10 inches in Chicago. Those expected totals almost certainly will change over the next couple days.

A big temperature drop is expected Thursday evening. By Friday, temperatures will drop from near 30 degrees to likely single digits with below-zero wind chills.

Bitter cold temperatures and strong winds are expected at the end of the week, plus a "powerful winter storm."

Holiday travel weather forecast: As winter storm bears down, some scramble to change plans

Potential Pre-Christmas Bomb Cyclone Could Bring Blizzard Conditions In Great Lakes, High Winds In East