Chicago is pulling a fast one on February 13, 2026. After a clear and frosty start near 28°F at Midway Airport this morning, temperatures will stage a quick comeback. Mostly sunny skies are on tap, with a high near 51°F before a slight slide back to around 48°F late in the afternoon. Away from the immediate Lake Michigan shoreline, it should feel suspiciously like spring for a mid-February afternoon.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By midday, south-southwest winds will crank up to around 5–15 mph, with occasional gusts up to about 20 mph. Expect a bit of a tug on your jacket during the lunch-hour commute and some extra bite along exposed lakefront stretches. There are no watches or warnings in effect for the Chicago area right now, according to NWS Chicago.
Tonight And Saturday
Tonight stays mostly clear with a low near 31°F and light west-southwest winds around 0–5 mph. Gusts could edge up to around 10 mph after sunset. Cooler, calmer pockets away from the major terminals and river corridors may see some patchy fog late tonight. Saturday trends cooler again, with partly sunny skies and a high near 43°F. For more on how this warm-up fits into the broader pattern and weekend timing, see our earlier look at the quick thaw as sunshine muscles back in Friday.
Next Week
Temperatures are expected to stay above average into early next week, with highs in the low to mid 50s Monday and Tuesday before a stronger system moves in. Rain chances increase late Tuesday night into Wednesday, and Wednesday could bring highs near 59°F with scattered showers possible. Keep tabs on updated timing and precipitation details from NWS Chicago, as the forecast may still shift a bit.
What To Bring
Today is a solid chance to knock out errands or squeeze in a longer walk. Plan on layers for the chilly morning, then a light jacket for those breezy afternoon stretches. Lakeside neighborhoods will run a few degrees cooler than inland spots. If you are planning anything outdoors later in the week, keep a backup plan ready for Tuesday night into Wednesday when rain could move through. It is worth a quick check of current conditions before heading out for time-sensitive outdoor plans.
