Chicago Forecast Calls for Potential Record Warmth

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After a deep freeze in January, the Chicago area is set to experience near-record warmth in the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid-60s and even challenging long-standing records.

Why it matters

The unseasonably warm weather is a stark contrast to the bitter cold that gripped the region earlier this winter, providing a welcome respite for residents but also raising concerns about the impacts of climate change on seasonal weather patterns.

The details

Forecasts indicate that temperatures could climb into the mid-to-upper 50s on Sunday, with some areas potentially reaching 60 degrees. Monday is expected to be even warmer, with highs in the low-to-mid 60s potentially breaking a 100-year-old record. Tuesday will see a slight dip, but Wednesday could be the warmest day of the week, with readings in the mid-60s, though not quite reaching the all-time high of 70 degrees set in 2017.

• On Sunday, temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-to-upper 50s.
• On Monday, temperatures are forecast to reach the low-to-mid 60s, potentially breaking a record set in 1921.
• On Tuesday, temperatures will fall back into the 50s.
• On Wednesday, temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-60s.

What’s next

Colder temperatures and chances for rain or wet snow are expected to return by the end of the week, with long-range models indicating the potential for above-average temperatures to wrap up the month of February.