Illinois is waking up to a crisp late-winter chill as sunshine spills over Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. Temperatures hover near 29 degrees this morning at Midway, with west winds around 10 mph pushing wind chills close to 20.
Roads look dry for now, but shaded sidewalks and bridges could still hold icy patches from earlier cold. Take it slow on ramps along I-55 and the Dan Ryan until pavement fully warms.
Skies stay sunny today with highs near 36 degrees. Winds from the west northwest may gust up to 25 mph, keeping the air brisk despite the sunshine. Tonight drops to around 25 under partly cloudy skies.
A steady warming trend builds into late week. Thursday climbs to 42 with mostly sunny skies. Friday surges to 56 degrees under full sun, offering a brief spring tease across Cook County. That warmer air will feel dramatic after this cold snap.
The pattern turns more active by the weekend. Saturday brings a chance of snow after midday with highs near 38. If flakes mix with marginal temperatures, slushy spots could develop by evening. As temperatures fall into the mid-20s Saturday night, any wet pavement may refreeze. This is prime flash-freeze season across northern Illinois.
Sunday stays mostly cloudy with highs near 32 and another chance of light snow Sunday night. Early next week remains cool, with highs in the 30s and additional chances for rain or snow by Tuesday.
Longer-range trends into early March suggest moderation, with milder air gradually expanding across the Midwest.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois:
Today: Sunny, high 36°.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 42°.
Friday: Sunny, high 56°.
Saturday: Chance of snow, high 38°.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 32°.
