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Chicago’s weather is about to get dramatic with a wild swing from very warm to very cold in a matter of hours. Here's what to expect.
According to local forecasts, we're in for a warm, breezy Wednesday that will feel more like late April than early spring. The city will then see temps pushing into unusually mild territory on Thursday. Morning temperatures will climb quickly, with highs expected to reach the upper 70s and even low 80s in some spots. That puts Chicago within striking distance of a near-record day. But don’t pack away those winter clothes just yet.
By early afternoon, the atmosphere will start to shift. A powerful cold front will barrel toward the region, setting the stage for one of the most abrupt turnarounds we’ve seen in a while. Around midafternoon, temperatures may still be hovering in the 70s. Then, within a couple of hours, they could plunge by as much as 25 to 30 degrees. Along the lakefront, that drop will feel even sharper, with readings crashing into the 40s before the evening commute.
If you’re heading to Wrigley Field for the game, expect a two-parter. First pitch might come with mild air and a light breeze. By the later innings, winds will whip in off the lake and temperatures could settle into the 50s or colder. It will be a bring-every-layer kind of day.
The temperature swing isn’t the only concern. As the front pushes through between roughly 3pm and 10pm, thunderstorms are expected to develop quickly, and some could turn severe. The main threats include large hail and damaging straight-line winds, though an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out, especially south and west of the city.
By Friday, the system clears out. Highs will struggle to get out of the low 40s under sunnier skies, a stark contrast to the near-summer warmth just 24 hours earlier.
The good news is that the chill won't last too long. Temperatures rebound into the 50s over the weekend, with 60s not far behind. Look ahead to milder weather, but be prepared for drama over the next couple days.