Chicago Braces for Cold Front, Rain Chances

Temperatures to plummet from 70s to 40s as cold air moves in this weekend.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:39am

Chicago is set to experience a sharp cooldown after an unseasonably warm Saturday, with highs dropping from the 70s into the 40s as a cold front moves through the area. Overnight lows will fall into the mid- to upper-40s, and Sunday will see a 30-35% chance of scattered rain showers, mainly in the morning and afternoon.

Why it matters

The sudden temperature drop and chance of rain could disrupt outdoor activities and plans for many Chicago residents, as the city transitions from an unusually warm spell to more seasonable, cooler conditions.

The details

The cold front will bring a significant cooldown, with Sunday's high occurring early in the day before temperatures steadily decline. Highs will remain in the 40s through Monday, several degrees below the seasonal average of about 50 degrees. The rain showers on Sunday are expected to taper off by the evening, with sunshine returning on Monday and a gradual warmup into the mid-50s by Tuesday.

  • Overnight temperatures will fall into the mid- to upper-40s.
  • Sunday's high will occur early in the day before temperatures steadily decline.
  • Highs will remain in the 40s through Monday.
  • There is a 30% to 35% chance of scattered rain showers on Sunday, mainly in the morning and afternoon.
  • Sunshine is expected on Monday with a high near 45, followed by a gradual warmup into the mid-50s by Tuesday.

The players

Chicago

The city that will experience the sharp cooldown and chance of rain this weekend.

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The takeaway

This sudden weather shift serves as a reminder that Chicago's weather can be unpredictable, and residents should be prepared to adjust their plans and activities accordingly as the city transitions from an unusually warm spell to more seasonable, cooler conditions.