Antigo, and Langlade County residents, as well as most of the state, have endured brutal temperatures this week. Temperatures have ranged from a balmy minus 19 F to 0 F the last few days. That’s without taking the wind chills into account, which have ranged from minus 20 F to minus 40 F.

Thus far, 2015 has been a rude awakening for residents of the North Woods when it comes to the weather. Besides a few snow storms and a couple days below zero, winter had been nonexistent, that is until the new year arrived. In just seven days in the new year, Antigo has recorded temperatures below zero in five of those seven days.

The average high for this area of Wisconsin in January is usually in the 20-25 F range.

Unfortunately, the immediate future doesn’t look bright for weather in the North Woods.

Thursday, Jan. 8, the temperature is set to rise for a high of 5 F, however, the National Weather Service is expecting snowfall with accumulation in the 1 to 3 inch range.

Friday, Jan. 9, the temperatures will fall below zero again. The expected high for Friday is currently minus 3 F.

Here is where the good news begins.

Saturday, Jan. 10, will also be a relativity cold day with highs expected in the 6 F range, however, Saturday begins a slight warm up that will stretch into next week.

Starting Sunday, Jan. 11, through next week Friday, Jan. 16, the highs are expected to be in the upper teens with no snow in the forecast.

While the cold has been unbearable for vehicles, businesses and the school district, hang in there because a break is near.