Illinois wakes up gray and damp across Chicago this morning. Low clouds hang over Lake Michigan, and the pavement already looks slick in spots. Temperatures sit in the low 40s, and a steady southeast breeze keeps the air raw.
Highs climb near 50 degrees today under mostly cloudy skies. Winds increase to 5 to 15 mph. Conditions stay manageable through the afternoon, but changes arrive after sunset.
Showers develop this evening and continue into early Wednesday. An isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. Rainfall totals remain light, generally under a tenth of an inch, except where a storm briefly intensifies. Gusts could reach 30 mph overnight. Plan for wet roads along I-90, I-94, and the Dan Ryan.
Wednesday turns milder and breezy. Highs reach near 63 degrees with partial sunshine. Southwest winds may gust up to 35 mph. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible inland as winds increase.
Another system arrives Thursday. Scattered rain develops in the afternoon, with a better chance of steady rain Thursday night. A limited thunderstorm risk remains in place, including a low-end severe risk. Stay weather-aware if you have evening plans.
Colder air filters in by Friday. Highs drop to the mid-40s, then into the upper 30s Saturday. If temperatures fall quickly after rain, isolated slick spots could develop. February flash freezing can catch drivers off guard.
The weekend trends drier but cooler, with highs in the 30s and lows dipping into the 20s.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook suggests near to slightly above normal temperatures returning to the Midwest. A gradual warming trend could build early next week, offering a hint of Spring Warmth.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois:
Wednesday: High 63, breezy
Thursday: High 49, rain likely late
Friday: High 44, breezy
Saturday: High 38, partly sunny
Sunday: High 32, partly sunny
