While the Chicago area battled subzero wind chills just weeks ago, you wouldn’t have known it on Valentine’s Day.
Unseasonable temperatures are expected to persist, making for a beautiful, spring-like day.
While pleasant weather is on tap overall, skies will be on the cloudy side as a storm system develops well to the south. Rain likely won’t reach the Chicago area, with showers mainly expected in areas around and south of U.S. Route 24, according to the National Weather Service.
With precipitation not anywhere nearby, the northern suburbs will likely see the least cloud cover.
Temperatures overall will be mild, with values topping out in the mid-to-upper 50s across the region.
If you think it’s especially warm for this time of year, well, you’re certainly right. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack explained readings will be roughly 20 degrees above normal.
While definitely warmer than usual, temperatures will be cooler near the lakefront as a lake breeze develops. So if you have any plans nearby, Sack suggests you dress a little bit more winter-like.
As the overnight hours approach, winter-like temperatures will return. Readings will drop into the low-to-mid 30s but will still remain above average.
Chillier conditions will pave the way for another beautiful day overall on Sunday, featuring plenty of sunshine. Temperatures will top out in the mid-to-upper 50s, although a bit of a breeze will develop along the lakefront.
From Sunday into Monday morning, some lake-effect clouds may drift in, but overall pretty quiet conditions will be coming our way.
The good news: we’ll see no rain or snow.
Temperatures will be especially warm on Monday, with highs around the 60-degree mark. Sack explained conditions won’t be much different near the lakefront, as a lake breeze should be kept at bay.
Following that, a chance of rain will arrive late Tuesday into early Wednesday, but it will remain unseasonably warm with highs in the low 60s on Wednesday.
Afterward, we’ll begin a gradual cooldown.
Highs are expected around 50 degrees on Thursday.
Then, get ready for a return of even colder temperatures.
Friday will only see temperatures around 40 degrees before falling back into the 30s next weekend. With such cold conditions, we’ll see a chance for a few flurries on Saturday.
