Chicago, Illinois – A noticeable shift away from winter’s grip is expected across Illinois by Thursday as temperatures climb above freezing, setting the stage for a mid-February thaw that could quickly change road and travel conditions statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across much of Illinois. Daytime highs are expected to rise into the mid to upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt on highways, neighborhood streets, and parking areas.
Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, and the Metro East all fall within the warmer-than-average signal, with even northern Illinois trending milder than seasonal norms. Overnight lows are also forecast to moderate closer to freezing, reducing prolonged cold but increasing the risk of refreezing where meltwater remains after dark.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, opening the door for rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air pushes into the Midwest. The Illinois Department of Transportation notes that major corridors including I-90, I-94, I-80, I-55, I-57, and I-70 could see slushy conditions, standing water, and slick spots, particularly during the morning and evening commute windows and on bridges and overpasses.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into the middle of next week. Drivers and residents should remain alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing or refreeze risks become clearer across Illinois.
