Dangerous Wind Gusts, Colder Weather Loom in Chicago

Chicago's brief spring-like weather will give way to plummeting temperatures and powerful winds on Friday.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A wind advisory has been issued for the Chicago area on Friday, with wind gusts exceeding 45 mph expected. The gusty winds will be accompanied by a chance of snow showers and significantly colder temperatures, with the high hitting right at midnight. The wind advisory will go into effect at 1 a.m. on Friday, with sustained winds of 20-30 mph posing dangers to high-profile vehicles. Snow showers could bring a dusting to around a half-inch of accumulation. Lake-effect snow is also possible late Saturday through early Monday, though heavy accumulations are not expected.

Why it matters

The abrupt shift from spring-like weather to dangerous wind gusts and wintry conditions could pose risks to public safety, transportation, and power infrastructure in the Chicago area. The late-season winter weather is an unwelcome surprise for residents after a brief taste of spring.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the wind advisory will go into effect at 1 a.m. on Friday, with sustained winds of 20-30 mph and gusts exceeding 45 mph. These powerful winds could make driving high-profile vehicles on north-south roadways hazardous. As a weather system pushes rain showers through the area late Thursday and into Friday morning, temperatures are expected to begin dropping after midnight, with the high temperature hitting right at 12 a.m. Snow showers are also possible on Friday, with a dusting to around a half-inch of accumulation possible in some locations. Later in the weekend, winds are expected to shift off of Lake Michigan, leading to potential lake-effect snow late on Saturday and then into Sunday and early Monday, though heavy accumulations are not expected.

  • The wind advisory will go into effect at 1 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Temperatures are expected to begin dropping after midnight on Friday, February 21, 2026, with the high temperature hitting right at 12 a.m.
  • Snow showers are possible on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Lake-effect snow is possible late on Saturday, February 22, 2026, and then into Sunday, February 23, 2026, and early Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

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

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What they’re saying

“The wind advisory will go into effect at 1 a.m. on Friday, with sustained winds of 20-to-30 miles per hour posing dangers to high-profile vehicles on north-south roadways.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

Residents in the Chicago area should monitor the weather forecast closely and prepare for the potential impacts of the dangerous wind gusts and wintry weather, including the possibility of power outages, travel disruptions, and hazardous driving conditions.

The takeaway

This late-season winter weather system serves as a reminder that Chicago's spring-like weather can quickly turn cold and stormy, underscoring the need for residents to stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions throughout the year.