Hey Chicago! Ready for a week of weather that feels like it can’t make up its mind? Buckle up because temperatures are going to be all over the place, with chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and even a few thunderstorms thrown into the mix. If you’ve got plans this week, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast! Here’s everything you need to know about the weather ahead.
Wednesday, March 26 – Cool Start, Warmer Finish
Today’s going to be a classic Chicago day, where you start out bundled up and end up shedding your jacket by the afternoon.
Morning: We’re starting off with a pretty chilly morning around 38°F (3°C). So, don’t even think about leaving the house without a jacket – it’s going to feel pretty crisp, especially if you’re out early. There could be some light rain or drizzle, so make sure you’ve got your umbrella handy while you head out the door.
Afternoon: The good news is that temperatures will warm up as the day goes on. By the afternoon, we should hit a high of 45°F (7°C). While it’s not a scorcher, it’s definitely going to feel more comfortable. The rain will clear out too, so you’ll get some breaks in the clouds, and the sun might even peek through. Just know there will still be a breeze that could make it feel a little cooler.
Evening: Temperatures will dip back down to 41°F (5°C) overnight. It won’t be freezing, but if you’re out late, make sure you’ve got a sweater or jacket to keep you warm as the evening cools down.
Thursday, March 27 – Breezy, Mild, and Maybe a Shower
On Thursday, expect a little bit of everything: a cool start, some clouds, and a nice afternoon.
Morning: The day will start with a mix of clouds and some lingering rain showers. Nothing too heavy, but enough to keep you on your toes. If you’re out early, there’s a chance you’ll need your umbrella again.
Afternoon: The weather will slowly improve, and by the afternoon, temperatures will climb to a mild 53°F (12°C). It’ll feel nice, but don’t forget about the breeze – it’s going to be pretty gusty, so you might want to keep a jacket on hand. It won’t be too cold, but you’ll still feel the wind picking up, especially by the lake.
Evening: Temperatures will cool off a little, with lows around 46°F (8°C). Not too bad, but you might want to layer up if you’re heading out for an evening walk or to meet friends.
Friday, March 28 – Warm, Windy, and Stormy
Friday is the day you’ll notice the biggest change in temperatures – it’s going to feel like spring, with highs reaching 73°F (23°C).
Morning: Start the day with overcast skies and a chance of rain. There’s also the possibility of a thunderstorm rolling through, so don’t leave home without your rain gear. It’s not going to be the most pleasant start, but things will improve quickly.
Afternoon: The temperature is going to soar by midday. Expect highs of 73°F (23°C), which is pretty unseasonably warm for this time of year. If you’ve been waiting for some sunshine, this is your day. But, the warm temperatures come with some strong winds, so be prepared for a bit of a blustery afternoon. It’ll feel warmer than it looks, so be sure to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
Evening: The temperatures will cool off to around 57°F (14°C) by evening. It won’t be too chilly, but if you’re out late, you might feel that wind still making it a bit brisk.
Saturday, March 29 – A Little Cooler and Breezy
Saturday is going to bring us back to more typical springtime weather – cooler and breezy with a chance of rain.
Morning: The morning will bring a mix of sun and clouds, and there’s a chance of a quick shower or two. It’s a good idea to keep that umbrella close by in case it starts drizzling.
Afternoon: Expect temperatures to hover around 62°F (16°C), which is pretty mild. It’ll be breezy, though, so you’ll feel the wind on your face as you go about your day. While it won’t be as warm as Friday, it’s still a great day to spend outside, especially if you’re planning a walk or hitting the park.
Evening: As the sun sets, temperatures will dip to around 46°F (8°C). It won’t be freezing, but it’ll definitely be on the cooler side, so grab a light jacket if you’re going to be out.
Sunday, March 30 – Windy and Cool with Some Rain
Sunday is bringing more wind and cooler temperatures, so it’s a good day to stay cozy indoors if you can.
Morning: Expect strong winds to start the day, with some rain likely. You’ll definitely need that umbrella, and watch out for the gusty conditions that could make it harder to walk around or ride your bike.
Afternoon: It’s going to be cooler, with highs only around 53°F (12°C). With the rain and strong winds, it’s going to feel chillier than that, so you’ll need to layer up. If you’re out and about, you’ll definitely want to have a raincoat or something to keep you dry.
Evening: The temperature will dip to around 34°F (1°C), so it’ll be a cold night. If you’re out for any late plans, you might even see frost, especially in areas away from the city center.
Looking Ahead: A Cold Start to the Week
Monday, March 31 is looking pretty chilly, with highs only reaching 36°F (2°C). It’ll be windy, so it will feel even colder than that, especially along the lake. There might even be a few snow flurries in the morning, so keep that winter coat out for one last day of cold.
By Tuesday, April 1, we should see temperatures rebound a little, with highs around 42°F (5°C). It’ll be cloudy, but much calmer than the start of the week.
Tips to Get Through the Week
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Dress in Layers: With the ups and downs in temperature, layering is key. You might need a jacket in the morning, but by afternoon, it could be warm enough to ditch it for a lighter layer.
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Umbrella Ready: Be prepared for some rain showers, especially on Friday and Sunday. It’s best to keep your umbrella in hand, just in case the weather turns.
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Watch the Winds: Windy days are ahead, particularly on Friday and Sunday, so be ready for gusty conditions that’ll make it feel colder.
Embrace the Change, Chicago!
This week is definitely a mix of everything, from spring warmth to chilly winds and rain. It’s the kind of week where you’ll want to check the forecast regularly because it can change from one hour to the next. Make sure to dress in layers, keep an umbrella handy, and stay safe as the weather does its thing.
