NIU students and DeKalb residents should take advantage of the next four days because they can expect to wear long underwear for the 90 days to follow, said the NIU weather service chairman.

Chairman Eric Helgeson said according to the National Weather Service, there is a 55 percent chance of the temperature being below normal after Friday.

But everyone in the area need not worry about carrying umbrellas because Helgeson said there is a 52 percent chance of below normal precipitation in the forecast.

“This below normal precipitation, that is expected, is not good news to farmers, as we are already four to five inches below normal for this time of year,” Helgeson said.

“We have received a ton of rain already—3.58 inches—usually we receive 2.86 inches for the entire month of October,” Helgeson said.

“This recent rain will help, but we are still well below normal,” he said.

“This is a strange time because all we have is a pattern of changes,” Helgeson said. “It’s perfect flu season.”

The gradual warm up, which is forecasted for this week, will only last until Friday. “You can expect another cold weekend,” Helgeson said.

Today’s temperatures are expected to be fair and in the mid-60s. Tonight’s temperatures are expected to be fair and in the low to mid-30s.

Wednesday also will be fair and in the mid-60s with temperatures dropping to mid-30 at night.

Anyone interested in getting a full weather report should call the NIU weather report hotline available 24 hours a day at 753-1623.