Potential For Record-Setting Cold This Week

By John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- OK, parents, listen up.

Will your children attend school this Thursday?

"Outlook not so good."

Tossing the Magic 8 Ball aside, the forecast is calling for record-cold and finger-snapping wind chill.

The forecast high on Thursday is expected to be around six degrees, with temperatures below zero at sunrise. Wind chills could drop to 20 to 30 degrees below zero.

Yes, it's back! The "polar vortex." Chicago will be well below average for temperature all week, with a warming trend possible for the weekend.

A six-degree high on Thursday would break the record of a high of nine degrees for that day.

Considering that nearly every school district shut down for a few days in January under similar conditions, parents should be prepared.

That is not to say that schools will be closed. A variety of factors weigh on that decision.

However, don't say that you haven't been warned.