Illinois wakes up to a crisp, bright morning across Chicago, where the lakefront air bites at 29 degrees and sidewalks feel stiff underfoot. Northwest winds near 10 mph add a sharper edge, pushing wind chills into the lower 20s.
Clear skies dominate early, but the story today is the rebound. Sunshine takes control, and temperatures climb to around 40 degrees by afternoon. Gusts up to 20 mph keep it brisk, especially along Lake Shore Drive and elevated stretches of I-90 and I-94. If you’re heading out early, watch for isolated slick patches on bridges where refreeze can linger.
Tonight turns partly cloudy with a low near 27. Winds ease, and conditions stay quiet. Thursday brings a mix of clouds early, then gradual clearing with a high near 39. It remains calm, with lighter winds shifting southeast late.
The real February thaw builds Friday. Highs jump to 49 degrees under sunny skies. Valentine’s Weekend continues the warming trend. Saturday reaches 46 with mostly sunny conditions, and Sunday pushes close to 50 degrees. Snow is not in the immediate picture, and no major systems threaten the metro through the weekend.
Early next week trends even milder. Washington’s Birthday looks partly sunny near 50, and broader long-range signals favor above-normal temperatures expanding across much of the Midwest in the 6–10 day outlook. A sustained warm pattern could carry readings into the 50s and possibly mid-50s by Tuesday.
Winter still has weeks left, and flash freezing remains possible if moisture returns. For now, Chicago enjoys a steady, sunny stretch.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois:
Today: Sunny, high 40°F.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, low 27°F.
Thursday: Decreasing clouds, high 39°F.
Friday: Sunny, high 49°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 46°F.
