Chicago residents are bracing for a week of dynamic weather, facing everything from fire risk to possible snowfall, officials warned Monday. The National Weather Service Chicago detailed a week that begins with a chance of flurries and culminates in potential rain and snow. Today's slight chance of flurries is expected to give way to a breezy Tuesday, with a high near 54 degrees but elevated fire weather risks. According to the National Weather Service's detailed forecast, northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph, today could gust as high as 20 mph.

These conditions will persist into the night with lows hovering around 31 degrees. "Tuesday... Elevated Fire Weather Risk," the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL indicates in their Hazardous Weather Outlook, warning of the potential for the rapid spread of brush fires due to the dry, windy conditions. Southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph on Tuesday may strengthen, with gusts possibly reaching 35 mph.

Midweek forecasts suggest a dip in temperatures with Wednesday promising sunshine and a high near 40, and equally chilly evenings with temperatures falling to 28. The weather takes a turn Thursday night as snow is likely, creating hazardous travel conditions. The week will continue to see temperature fluctuations, with mixed precipitation on Friday before a shift back to mostly sunny skies on Saturday. The National Weather Service Chicago, in a statement on X, summarized the week's outlook: "After lingering flurries this morning, warmer and breezy conditions on Tuesday will result in an elevated risk for the spread of brush fires."

Beyond the city's inland conditions, lake-goers should also take heed. Hazardous conditions for small crafts have been projected for Indiana's nearshore areas as early as today, according to forecasters. The outlook for those on Lake Michigan doesn't improve much, with "Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely" for Tuesday, Wednesday, and again on Sunday. Chicagoans and visitors alike are advised to stay informed through the week as the city grapples with Mother Nature's end-of-winter mood swings and to prepare for the diverse weather challenges ahead, from windy fire hazards to the potential need to shovel snow.