Chicago Braces for 'Weather Whiplash' as Temps Soar Then Plummet

Highs in the 60s on Friday to be followed by freezing temps by Sunday

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Chicago area is set to experience a dramatic shift in temperatures this weekend, with highs expected to reach the low-60s on Friday before plummeting to the mid-30s by Saturday and struggling to reach the freezing point by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Why it matters

These types of 'weather whiplash' events are common in early spring in the Midwest, as the region transitions from winter to warmer weather. However, the rapid temperature swings can be disruptive to daily life and pose challenges for residents and businesses.

The details

A low pressure system moving along the United States and Canadian border will be pulling in warm air northward, allowing Chicago to benefit from its placement and reach the mid-60s on Friday. But that same system will then drive a cold front through the area, causing temperatures to drop by around 30 degrees by Saturday.

  • Friday's highs are expected to reach the low-60s in the metro area and could reach the mid-60s in the southwest suburbs.
  • By Saturday, temperatures will plummet to the mid-30s and struggle to reach the freezing point by Sunday.

The players

Brett Borchardt

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

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What they’re saying

“Meteorological spring actually starts on March 1, so that's the time of year when we get these big shifts in the temperature.”

— Brett Borchardt, Meteorologist (National Weather Service)

“For this particular setup, there is a low pressure system that's going to be moving along the United States and Canadian border. Since we're on the south side of that system, it's going to be pulling in warm air northward, so we're kind of benefiting from our placement, but that's still going to drive a cold front through our area.”

— Brett Borchardt, Meteorologist (National Weather Service)

“Weather whiplashes are pretty common this time of year, and that's just what can be taking place with the system.”

— Brett Borchardt, Meteorologist (National Weather Service)

What’s next

There are a 'couple of chances for snow' Saturday near the Wisconsin state line and Sunday night in the south suburbs, though the metro area may not see much snow.

The takeaway

These dramatic temperature swings are a regular occurrence in the Midwest during the transition from winter to spring, but they can still be disruptive to daily life and pose challenges for residents and businesses. Staying informed about the latest weather forecasts is crucial for navigating these 'weather whiplash' events.