Chicago is suiting up for a blustery St. Patrick’s Day weekend on Saturday, when crews will turn the Chicago River bright green and the downtown parade steps off along Columbus Drive. After a week of gusty storms and tumbling temperatures, the city is staring down a raw, chilly morning on the riverfront, with on-and-off wind that will make spectators glad they layered up and left a little early.
Crews are expected to start pouring in the dye around 10 a.m., with “feels-like” temperatures in the low to mid 30s and afternoon readings hovering near 40 degrees, according to NBC Chicago. The outlet notes that downtown skies should stay mostly cloudy yet largely dry during both the river dyeing and the parade. Earlier in the week, the National Weather Service flagged strong gusts and issued wind advisories as a powerful system blew through the region.
When and where to watch
The dyeing usually kicks off along the stretch between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street, and Upper Wacker Drive along with the Riverwalk remain classic vantage points, as Time Out points out. The official parade committee lists a noon step-off from the Balbo and Columbus area on Saturday and warns that Riverwalk businesses and stairways may be closed during the dyeing, reopening later in the morning; organizers also strongly recommend public transportation, according to the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. Put all of that together and getting there early is still the best way to lock in a riverfront view.
Weekend outlook
Sunday is expected to feel a bit kinder, with highs nudging into the upper 40s or close to 50, though NBC Chicago notes that rain could dampen the Northwest and South Side Irish parades, with chances going up after midday. Forecasters are also eyeing a stronger system that could deliver impactful accumulating snow late Sunday into Monday morning. The National Weather Service has highlighted the potential for a corridor of heavy snow and strong winds somewhere across the region. With forecast models still spread out, exact impacts remain uncertain and officials are urging travelers to keep an eye on updates.
Plan ahead
If you are heading downtown, plan on layers, a windproof outer shell and sturdy shoes, and think seriously about hopping on the CTA or Metra, since the parade committee leans hard on public transit and notes that Riverwalk businesses will shut down during the dyeing and reopen around 11 a.m. Aim to arrive early if a riverside spot is on your wish list, and be ready for street closures and heavy foot traffic near Columbus Drive. Check local forecasts and advisories before you leave - conditions have a habit of changing fast this time of year.
Bottom line: Saturday still looks like Chicago’s best shot at a mostly dry river dyeing and parade, but a late-week storm system could rewrite the script, so keep your plans loose and your weather apps close.
