Chicagoans can expect a shift in weather patterns as a warming trend sweeps through the city, bringing temperatures into the upper ranges for this time of year. According to a forecast from the National Weather Service, today's Chicago weather will be "partly sunny, with a high near 58" and the area will experience west-southwest wind ranging from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts that could reach up to 30 mph. This evening, the city should prepare for "scattered showers, mainly before midnight" with a possible precipitation chance of 30% and a low hovering around 36 degrees.
Temperatures are projected to stay unseasonably warm for the start of the week. A report by FOX32 Chicago suggests that, despite some cloud coverage, we might expect the mercury to rise even higher, "reaching the mid 50s to around 60 degrees." A factor contributing to this warming trend appears to be the absence of snow cover over the southern viewing area of the city. The forecast also indicates a weak disturbance that could cause a few rain showers tonight, though overall rainfall may be minimal and the disturbance should clear by tomorrow morning.
Looking ahead, Tuesday should remain "mostly sunny, with a high near 51" and a shift in wind direction from west to east in the afternoon, as stated by the National Weather Service. A slight chance of showers is in the forecast for Tuesday night, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 35. Weather patterns are expected to bring more showers on Wednesday, with a significant likelihood of precipitation before noon and highs near 52 degrees.
The remainder of the week appears to be drier yet breezy, offering a mix of clouds and sunlight. "Thursday and Friday look breezy but quiet with a mix of clouds and sun and highs that will be in the mid 40s to low 50s across the area," according to FOX32 Chicago. By the weekend, Chicago should brace to experience a drop in temperature as March ushers in the more typical cold. Highs are predicted to fall, settling "both days in the mid to upper 30s." The shift in weather marks a noticeable departure from last week's freezing temperatures, suggesting a dynamic and changing climate as the city transitions to the early signs of spring.
