Residents of Chicago should brace themselves for a whirlwind week of weather, with scattered flurries today, a fleeting warm-up on Tuesday, and a return to chillier temperatures as the week progresses. Today could see stray flurries between 1 pm and 3 pm, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS), with a further chance of snow showers as the afternoon wears on. These scant snowflakes will dance under partly sunny skies as temperatures peak near a modest 38 degrees with blustery northwest winds reaching 25 mph.
As the sun sets on the city tonight, the occasional flurries are bound to dissipate before 8 pm, ushering in mostly cloudy conditions and dipping the mercury to about 27 degrees. Northwest winds will continue their brisk caress, gusting again as high as 25 mph. "No hazardous weather is expected at this time," assures the NWS, providing some respite to citizens gearing up for the fickle arms of spring. The forthcoming days will maintain the non-threatening stance, ensuring Chicagoans face no severe weather interruptions.
Looking ahead, Tuesday promises a brief respite from the cold with temperatures soaring to a more agreeable near 54 degrees before descending once more into the frigid grip of winter. A post from the NWS Chicago reflects this brief warm interlude stating, "Other than a brief warm-up on Tuesday, colder conditions are expected through the upcoming week." After Tuesday's fleeting warmth, conditions return to sunny yet colder on Wednesday, with the high hovering around 42 degrees.
Other than a brief warm-up on Tuesday, colder conditions are expected through the upcoming week. Some flurries are likely this afternoon with blustery conditions throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/ZZnLlWykH1
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) March 17, 2024
Water-bound Chicagoans take note: hazardous conditions for small craft are expected today, and likely at times through Saturday along Lake Michigan's Illinois and Indiana nearshore waters. In a straightforward communication from the NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook advisement is clear, declaring an outright warning for sailors and the like: "Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely at times."
Wrapping up the week, Thursday night may see a mixture of snow and rain, with precipitation likely persisting into Friday. While the outlook remains cloudy, temperatures should hover near 40 degrees, giving Chicagoans a taste of typical March variability. Saturday then spells a chance of rain again under partly sunny skies, with the day's high aiming for a slightly warmer 45. Residents and visitors alike, take heed of these shifting skies – an emblematic reminder that Chicago weather is as dynamic as the city itself.
