The most recent Weather Channel projection shows a high temperature of 27 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, Dec. 31 in Chicago, followed by snow showers and a high of 31 on New Year's Day. In other words, Winter Classic weather for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.

Trouble is that it's 57 degrees today, and then it'll be 41 degrees on Monday. That's creating challenges for the ice crew at Wrigley, according to the Chicago Tribune:

With rain and balmy temperatures in the upper 50s predicted for Saturday, the final layer of ice might have to wait a day. State-of-the-art equipment will ensure everything goes smoothly, an NHL spokesman said, and another cold snap is expected Sunday to help with the process. The crew made a layer of ice about three-quarters of an inch thick Monday before taking off for Christmas.

NHL facilities/operations manager Dan Craig said last week the original plan was to begin spraying another 20,000 gallons of water on the surface this weekend to thicken the ice to at least 2 inches, as NHL regulations stipulate. "All the team is going to be together by 6 p.m. [Friday], and we'll work around the clock," Craig said.

The crew was supposed to begin painting the ice Saturday, using about 350 gallons of paint. But the league can't control the weather, which plays such an important part in the outdoor spectacle.

The fluctuating temperatures have created a sense of uncertainty about the Classic among some in Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that "unusually warm weather, which was expected today, or rain could lead organizers to consider alternative plans for the Winter Classic." Tom Fornelli on NBC was direr in his coverage:

Though the NHL won't comment on the matter right now, there seems to be a possibility that the game could be postponed, with some ushers saying they were told that the contingency plan would be to have the game on January 2nd if they can't get the rink ready in time for Thursday.

Along with New Year's hangovers and Bob Costas, it appears weather concerns leading up to the Classic are now part of the annual tradition. Please recall headaches about high temps in balmy Buffalo last season.

Despite the gloom from some media, the Jan. 2 contingency is more a concern for rain than slightly above-average temps. Otherwise ... two teams playing on bad ice? In the NHL? Get out.

With cold weather and Craig's ice crew on the job, expect the show to go on as planned. At least we really, really, really hope it does.