Illinois – A thin layer of clouds slides over Chicago early, and the air feels damp and raw near the lake. Temperatures sit just below 40 degrees, with a steady southwest breeze keeping wind chills closer to freezing as the day gets going.
According to the National Weather Service, winds turn west and then northwest through the morning, gusting up to 25 mph at times. Highs reach the low 40s this afternoon before cooler air settles back in. Pavement dries quickly today, but shaded sidewalks and bridge decks may stay slick where frost lingered overnight.
Tonight trends colder. Skies remain partly cloudy, and temperatures drop into the upper 20s. That sets up a classic February pattern for midweek. Wednesday brings sunshine but limited warmth, with highs only reaching the upper 30s. A light northwest breeze off Lake Michigan keeps the lakeshore cooler than inland neighborhoods.
Wednesday night turns calm and cold again. Lows dip into the mid-20s, allowing any daytime melt to refreeze. Drivers should watch ramps and overpasses early Thursday. Thursday stays mostly cloudy and cool, with highs near 37. It’s quiet weather, but the freeze-thaw cycle continues to raise slip risks.
By Friday, conditions improve. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the mid-40s. It feels noticeably better, especially away from the lake. Friday night stays mostly clear, setting up a dry and seasonable start to Valentine’s weekend.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook leans warmer than normal for the Midwest. With the Great Lakes still heavily frozen, big warmups stay in check, but a gradual February thaw appears more likely heading into early next week.
For now, plan extra time on chilly mornings, watch for refreezing after sunset, and enjoy the brighter finish to the workweek. Feeling the temperature swings where you are in the city?
Five-Day Outlook – Chicago, Illinois
• Today: Partly sunny and breezy, high near 43
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 37
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high near 37
• Friday: Sunny and milder, high near 44
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 42
