Chicago, IL – Northern Illinois is set to turn noticeably milder this week, with today marking the last chilly day before a steady warming trend begins, leading into a mild and damp Christmas period across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, temperatures today will remain on the cooler side, with highs ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s, coldest near the Wisconsin border. Overnight lows will dip into the low to mid-20s before warmer air arrives.
Beginning Monday, temperatures will steadily climb, with highs reaching the upper 30s to mid-40s, followed by 40s and low 50s by Tuesday and Wednesday. By Christmas Day, highs could range from the mid-40s to near 60 degrees, especially closer to the Interstate 39 and I-55 corridors.
Along with the warming trend, cloud cover will increase through midweek, with intermittent rain showers and drizzle developing Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While rainfall amounts appear light, damp roads and reduced visibility are possible during periods of drizzle.
Overnight temperatures will also rise significantly, with lows climbing into the upper 30s and even low 50s by midweek, eliminating concerns for icy travel during the holiday.
The mild conditions may benefit holiday travel across Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, and surrounding parts of northern Illinois, though motorists should remain alert for wet road conditions around Christmas.
Meteorologists note that while the warmth is notable for late December, colder winter weather could still return later in the season.
