Chicago, IL – Those hoping for a white Christmas in the Chicago area may be disappointed this year, as unseasonably mild temperatures are expected to dominate the forecast heading into Christmas week.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, temperatures will rise steadily early next week after a brief cool-down Sunday. By Christmas week, daytime highs across the Chicago metro, Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County, and surrounding suburbs are expected to reach the upper 40s to low 50s, well above seasonal averages for late December.
Forecast data shows Tuesday and Wednesday bringing the warmest stretch, with highs potentially reaching the low 50s, setting the stage for a mild Christmas Day. Overnight lows are also forecast to remain elevated, generally staying in the upper 30s to mid-40s, which further reduces the likelihood of snow.
While skies may remain mostly cloudy at times, significant winter precipitation is not expected. Any precipitation that develops closer to Christmas would likely fall as rain, not snow. As a result, the odds of a white Christmas in the city and suburbs appear very low.
Forecasters note this warm-up follows a brief return to colder air Sunday, when highs dip back into the upper 20s to low 30s. However, that cold snap will be short-lived, with warmer air quickly returning early next week.
For holiday travelers, the mild conditions should mean generally favorable driving conditions, though residents are encouraged to monitor updates in case rain timing changes closer to Christmas Day.
