Despite a slightly more overcast sky than was expected, temperatures still had an opportunity to top out above the freezing mark on Tuesday.

It's funny how, even with the afternoon high well below where it should for this time of year, it is welcomed after spending so much time with temperatures that were so cold. The average temperature for the last week of January was nearly 18 degrees. The last time we had such a bitterly cold stretch was 1961. We've had cold blasts before, but not this chilly.

A few flurries are possible later tonight. Nothing concerning or impactful. Don't be surprised by a little sugar coating on the car in the morning. Nighttime lows will be in the mid- to upper teens - a few degrees shy of where they should be, but nothing mind-numbing.

Wednesday looks pretty nice. Temperatures will once again stay slightly above the freezing mark. The snow and ice will continue to melt some. The winds will be favorable, but picking up some toward the end of the day, and slowly changing direction. The change in direction is everything. This will draw in another round of wickedly cold air.

By Wednesday night, the leading edge of frigid air is descending upon the region, and despite an abundance of sunshine in Thursday's forecast, we are back below freezing and only getting colder -- again.