Chicago Sees Chilly But Sunny End to Winter

Highs to reach only mid-30s today before warmer weather arrives Friday

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Chicago will experience a chilly but sunny end to meteorological winter today, with highs only reaching the mid-30s. However, warmer weather is on the way, with highs in the 50s expected on Friday. The weekend will bring a return to colder temperatures in the 30s, with a low-confidence chance of snow.

Why it matters

As Chicago transitions from winter to spring, the weather patterns can be unpredictable, with fluctuations between warm and cold temperatures. This report provides valuable information to residents about the upcoming weather conditions, allowing them to plan accordingly.

The details

Today's sunny skies will not be enough to offset the chilly temperatures, with highs only reaching the mid-30s. This is a few degrees cooler than normal for this time of year. Tomorrow, a weak system will pass mostly south of the area, bringing a small chance of a few flakes in the far-southern counties, but highs should reach the low to mid 40s. Friday looks to be a pleasant day with sunshine and highs in the mid-50s. However, the warm weather will not last, as a blast of cold air arrives for the weekend, with temperatures in the 30s and a low-confidence chance of snow.

  • Today, highs will only reach the mid-30s.
  • Tomorrow, highs will reach the low to mid 40s.
  • On Friday, highs will reach the mid-50s.
  • This weekend, temperatures will be in the 30s.

The players

Mike Caplan

A Fox Chicago meteorologist who provided the information for this report.

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What they’re saying

“There are only four days left of meteorological winter, and today it will feel pretty wintry despite lots of sunshine.”

— Mike Caplan, Meteorologist (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

Next week is expected to start cold as meteorological spring gets underway, but there are signs of a warm-up starting midweek.

The takeaway

Chicago's weather patterns can be unpredictable as the city transitions from winter to spring, with fluctuations between warm and cold temperatures. This report provides valuable information to residents about the upcoming weather conditions, allowing them to plan accordingly.