Chicago woke up to a softer start on Thursday, March 19, with temperatures around 37°F under partly cloudy skies. As the sun gets to work this afternoon, most neighborhoods should climb into the mid 40s, while Lake Michigan keeps the immediate lakefront a few degrees cooler.
This Morning And Tonight
Sunshine will build through the day, with inland highs topping out near 45°F before slipping a few degrees by evening. Tonight turns mostly cloudy with lows near 40°F and south-southeast winds generally around 5 to 10 mph, with a few gusts up to about 20 mph. A small chance of sprinkles before daybreak looks confined to areas northeast of the city.
Late-Week Warm-Up
Friday delivers the biggest jump, with highs near 61°F and west-northwest winds around 10 mph that may gust into the low 20s. Saturday is on track to be the warmest day of this stretch, with widespread inland highs in the low 60s. Lakeside spots should stay a few degrees cooler, so downtown streets and nearshore parks will feel the lake effect more than the suburbs. If you are eyeing outdoor plans, Friday evening and Saturday afternoon are your best bets for the mild air.
Weekend And Early-Week Changes
A cold front is expected late Saturday into Sunday, bringing a slight chance of showers on Sunday and a noticeable cooldown to start next week. According to the National Weather Service, the front will drive cooler onshore winds inland and send highs back toward the upper 30s to low 40s by Monday. There are no watches or warnings in effect for the area at this time, although the exact timing of the front and any brief Sunday showers remains somewhat uncertain.
Lakeshore Versus Inland
Lake Michigan continues to play temperature referee. Neighborhoods right along the water can expect a breezier, cooler feel, while inland communities get more of the sunnier, warmer afternoons. Layer up if you are headed for a lakefront walk, and secure any loose patio or balcony items in case the gusts decide to kick up.
For background on how this warm-cold swing has developed, see our March 2 coverage of the city’s weather whiplash week. Check the National Weather Service for updates if you are planning outdoor activities over the weekend.
