Chicago is waking up to temperatures around 61 degrees Sunday, but the day has a much warmer finish in store. Skies should stay sunny, with highs near 74 and no rain expected before a near-summer Monday arrives. The tradeoff is a fast-moving forecast that goes from outdoor-perfect to wet and chilly by the end of the week.
The latest outlook from the National Weather Service Chicago office keeps Sunday dry and bright, while sharpening the focus on Monday’s near-record warmth. It is a notable update from Hoodline’s earlier weekend forecast, with Monday now projected to reach about 85 degrees.
Sunny Sunday Sets Up A Very Warm Monday
Sunday afternoon should peak near 74 degrees under sunny skies, with light southeast winds around 5 mph. Tonight will turn partly cloudy, with temperatures dipping to about 62 and south winds between 5 and 10 mph.
Monday will feel more like a summer encore than mid-October, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 85. Southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph could gust as high as 25 mph, and the weather service says temperatures may approach records for October 12.
Rain Chances Build Tuesday Night Through Thursday
Tuesday stays sunny and warm, with a high near 79, but the pattern becomes more unsettled after dark. There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night, followed by a chance of rain showers Wednesday and a high near 67.
Thursday brings the best rain chance of the workweek, with showers likely, mostly cloudy skies and a high near 66. The forecast currently puts the chance of precipitation around 60% during the day and Thursday night.
Colder Air Arrives Before The Weekend
Friday could bring a few more showers before 1 p.m., with temperatures topping out near 60 and west-northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph. Friday night falls to around 44, while Saturday looks partly sunny, cooler and breezy, with a high near 54 and only a slight chance of morning showers.
No watches, warnings or advisories are listed for the Chicago area. Sunday and Monday look like the best windows for outdoor plans, while umbrellas and heavier layers become more useful from midweek onward.
