Illinois wakes up to a cold but quiet start, with 31 degrees at Midway and a light southwest breeze cutting the air along Lake Michigan. The sky is mostly clear now, but change is already lining up for the weekend.
After a frosty dawn, temperatures surge today. Highs climb to 61 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Southwest winds increase to 20 mph this afternoon, with gusts near 35 mph. It will feel like a brief burst of spring warmth across Chicago.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Clouds increase tonight as temperatures dip to around 32 degrees. By Saturday, colder air pushes back in. The National Weather Service calls for a 40 percent chance of snow after 3 p.m. Temperatures rise near 38 degrees late morning, then fall toward 31 by evening. That drop could turn wet pavement slick, especially on bridges along I-90 and I-55.
Saturday night brings another 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Lows fall to 25 degrees. Any melting may refreeze, raising flash-freeze concerns.
Sunday stays colder with a high near 32 and another 40 percent chance of snow. Roads could become slushy at times. Plan extra travel time this weekend.
Monday turns partly sunny with a high near 37. A chance of rain develops late Monday night. Tuesday holds rain chances with highs near 39.
Early March still leans chilly, but longer-range trends hint at moderation and a gradual warming push by mid to late week.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago:
Today: Mostly sunny, breezy, high 61.
Saturday: Chance of snow, high 38 then falling.
Sunday: Chance of snow, high 32.
Monday: Partly sunny, high 37.
Tuesday: Chance of rain, high 39.
