Sunday, February 15 - Chicago woke up to clear skies and a frosty start near 32°F, but the city will thaw out in style this afternoon. Bright sunshine is expected to push temperatures into the mid 50s, with highs near 55°F and only a small chance of a stray shower tonight. A warmer stretch moves in Monday and builds into midweek before a round of rain returns late Tuesday into Wednesday.
Afternoon Sun, Mild Week
Sunshine is set to dominate Sunday afternoon, with highs around 55°F before temperatures ease back into the low 50s by late afternoon. Light west northwest winds of about 5 mph are expected, with occasional gusts up to 15 mph during the day, according to the National Weather Service Chicago.
Wind And Rain Timing
On Monday, temperatures climb into the upper 50s to near 60°F as southwest winds pick up, with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range. Those breezy conditions are expected to hang around through Wednesday. A stronger system is forecast to bring rain late Tuesday into Wednesday, with a chance of thunderstorms as the pattern shifts and rain likely Tuesday night. Wednesday may turn warmer and blustery, with highs in the low 60s, according to the National Weather Service forecast discussion.
What This Means For Your Commute
Breezy weather Monday through Wednesday could make lakefront walks feel extra gusty and may rattle unsecured outdoor items, so it is a good time to tie down lightweight patio furniture or loose equipment. Rain Tuesday night is likely to slow the evening drive and could make roads slick, with the potential for some pooled water. Plan on extra travel time and keep an eye on changing conditions. While there are no active warnings for the city today, the forecast discussion notes lower humidity and elevated fire weather concerns in drier rural areas west of the metro if those locations stay dry.
Looking Ahead
By Thursday, a cooler air mass should nudge highs back into the mid 40s with a slight chance of afternoon rain. Forecast signals are growing for a rain to snow mix by Friday as temperatures fall. The weekend looks cooler and quieter, with highs in the 30s by Saturday, so check in on updated forecasts before locking in outdoor plans.
