Chicago Shatters Long-Standing Weather Records

The city experiences an unseasonable warm spell, but how long will it last?

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Chicago area broke several long-standing weather records on Monday, with temperatures soaring into the 60s across the region. However, the warm spell is expected to be short-lived, as a cold front is set to move through the area, bringing rain, cooler temperatures, and even a chance of snow by the end of the week.

Why it matters

Unseasonably warm weather can have a significant impact on the local community, affecting everything from energy usage to outdoor activities. Understanding the duration of the warm spell is crucial for residents to plan accordingly and prepare for the upcoming temperature changes.

The details

On Monday, the previous record high of 58 degrees at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was broken, a record that had stood since 1921. Other communities in the region, such as Rockford, also saw temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 60s. The warm weather is expected to continue for several more days, with Tuesday seeing cloudy and foggy conditions, followed by the potential for thunderstorms overnight. Wednesday is forecast to bring another day of bright sunshine and warm temperatures, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper 60s. However, a cold front is set to move through the area on Thursday, bringing rain and causing temperatures to plummet. Highs on Friday and Saturday are expected to drop into the 40s, with a chance of snowflakes as the system clears out. Temperatures are expected to rebound early next week, but the cooldown is expected to be short-lived.

  • On Monday, the previous record high of 58 degrees at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was broken, a record that had stood since 1921.
  • Tuesday will dawn cloudy and foggy across the area, with some limited travel impacts expected during the morning commute.
  • Rain is expected to develop on Tuesday as the day moves along, with highs rising into the mid-to-upper 50s.
  • The Chicago area could hear some rumbles of thunder overnight on Tuesday as a clipper system moves through the area.
  • Wednesday is forecast to bring another day of bright sunshine and warm temperatures, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper 60s.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What they’re saying

“Naturally such temperatures beg the question of how long the warm weather will last, and the answer is that Chicago-area residents can expect several more days of well-above average temperatures.”

— NBC Storm Team (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The Chicago area is expected to experience a significant cooldown by the end of the week, with highs dropping into the 40s on Friday and Saturday and a chance of snowflakes as the cold front moves through. Residents should monitor the weather forecast and prepare for the upcoming temperature changes.

The takeaway

The unseasonably warm weather in Chicago is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the region's climate. While the warm spell may be enjoyable in the short term, it also highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden shifts in weather patterns and the potential impacts on the local community.