Illinois is shaking off a chilly February start, and brighter skies are already signaling a milder stretch ahead. Temperatures sit near 36 degrees at Midway Airport this morning, with mostly clear skies and light southwest winds.
Roads across the Kennedy Expressway and I-55 are dry, but early commuters may notice a light chill lingering on bridges. Winds stay gentle through the morning, and sunshine builds through the day. Highs reach near 46 degrees, a noticeable rebound from the overnight low near 32.
Sunday turns even milder. Sunshine dominates with highs climbing to 51 degrees. A light southwest breeze shifts north-northeast later in the day, but no major weather issues are expected. Outdoor plans look solid, though shaded sidewalks could stay cool.
President’s Day Monday brings partly sunny skies and a high near 58 degrees. That is well above average for mid-February in Chicago. Expect more foot traffic along the Lakefront Trail and busier parks if the sun holds.
Clouds increase Monday night with lows around 40. Tuesday trends cooler and mostly cloudy, with highs near 49. A chance of rain develops Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. By Wednesday afternoon, highs could reach near 60 before another weak system brushes the area later in the week, possibly mixing rain with a few wet snowflakes Thursday night as temperatures fall back into the 30s.
The broader pattern favors above-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest over the next 6 to 10 days.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois:
Sunday: Sunny, high 51.
Monday (President’s Day): Partly sunny, high 58.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 49.
Wednesday: Chance of rain early, high 60.
Thursday: Chance rain, high 44.
