Chicagoans can look forward to an uncharacteristically mild week in December, with the National Weather Service predicting clear skies and no severe weather in the near future. The latest forecasts point to mostly sunny days ahead, with temperatures expected to hover in the mid-30s to upper 40s through Sunday. According to the weather report, today will see highs around 35 degrees, followed by a clear night with lows around 30.
As the week progresses, the calm weather is set to continue. "Sunny, with a high near 36," is the expected scenario for Tuesday, per the National Weather Service, with steady west-northwest winds that may occasionally gust as high as 22 mph. The night should bring partly cloudy skies and a dip to around 24 degrees. Winds will moderate slightly on Wednesday, with sunshine pushing temperatures to near 38. The evenings are slated to be mostly clear, with lows sitting comfortably in the upper 20s to low 30s through the end of the week.
In a more detailed look at the weekend, the Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service notes, "No hazardous weather is expected at this time," providing a reassuring prediction for those concerned about winter travel or activities. Even the waters of Lake Michigan appear calm, with the exception of some potentially hazardous conditions for small craft today and again on Monday.
Looking further ahead, slightly warmer temperatures are on the horizon as we head towards the weekend. "Highs will warm into the 40s Thursday through the weekend," assures the National Weather Service in a social media update. While the chance for showers exists Friday night into Saturday, it seems minor enough to likely not heavily disrupt any weekend plans.
By December standards, pleasant weather is expected through the upcoming weekend. Highs will warm into the 40s Thursday through the weekend. Other than a small chance of showers Friday night or Saturday, no precip is expected. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/m2BTi7xf3s
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 12, 2023
So as Chicago approaches the heart of winter, residents can take a moment to appreciate the break from the typically frigid and blustery season. With little to no precipitation in the forecast and temperatures that are easier to bear, the week ahead seems to be a brief but welcome respite from the harsher elements often associated with this time of year.
