Chicagoans woke up this morning with a rude awakening – it wasn’t the springtime warmth many were hoping for. Instead, the city greeted us with chilly, winter-like temperatures and thick fog hanging in the air. If you were hoping for a mild day to get a jumpstart on your spring wardrobe, think again. Today, it feels more like late winter than mid-April.
Morning Fog and Frosty Temperatures
By 10:00 AM, the temperature had barely reached 39°F (4°C), with a wind chill making it feel much colder – about 27°F (-3°C). The city’s iconic skyline was barely visible through the thick fog, which was so dense that many were barely able to see the streets ahead. If you’ve ever walked down Michigan Avenue during one of Chicago’s classic foggy mornings, you know the scene well – quiet, eerie, and cold enough to make you want to run for cover.
“I thought we were done with the cold by now,” said David, a local who was bundled up in a thick jacket and scarf. “I had to dig out my winter coat again. It’s just one of those days you don’t expect when you think it’s supposed to be spring.”
A Chilly Afternoon Ahead
As the day progresses, temperatures will only creep up slightly, reaching a high of about 42°F (6°C) – still a good 10 degrees below the average for this time of year. The skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a light breeze that’ll make it feel even colder, especially near the lake. And while the forecast suggests we might get the occasional sprinkle here and there, don’t expect much relief in terms of sunshine.
It’s one of those days where even a light jacket might not cut it. If you’re planning on heading out, layers are your best bet. A warm sweater or long-sleeve shirt under a heavier coat might be just what you need to keep the cold at bay.
A Frigid Night on the Horizon
The chill doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. As evening sets in, temperatures will dip back down to around 36°F (2°C), with the wind making it feel even colder. If you have evening plans, be sure to bring a coat because it’s going to be a cold one. This is definitely not the kind of weather you want to be caught in if you’re out and about after dark.
For those with early morning plans tomorrow, you might want to set an alarm to check the weather before heading out. It’s going to be one of those mornings where you need to bundle up, even if you’re just running a quick errand or grabbing coffee.
Why So Cold?
It’s not unusual for Chicago to get a cold snap even after the calendar has switched to April, but this year, it seems like winter is hanging around a little longer than expected. A cold front from the north is pushing through the region, bringing with it this unseasonably cool air. While the city will warm up soon enough, for today, Chicago is feeling a lot more like February than spring.
“April is always a little unpredictable,” said Erica, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “It’s the time of year when you can have 70-degree days followed by cold fronts like this. It’s a reminder to always be prepared for anything.”
What’s Coming Next?
The forecast for the next few days looks a bit more promising. While today will be a cold outlier, temperatures will start warming up over the weekend. Expect highs to climb back into the 50s and 60s as we head into next week. But, for today, it’s definitely a reminder that Chicago’s spring weather has a mind of its own.
Tomorrow, April 11th, looks like it’ll be a slightly warmer day with highs pushing toward the 50s, though we might still see some clouds hanging around. But after today’s cold snap, any warmth will feel like a relief.
What to Keep in Mind:
Even though it’s April, today is a good reminder that Chicago weather can be unpredictable. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out, especially when the seasons are in transition. Layers are key, and don’t forget to pack a warm jacket just in case.
This chilly day also means we’re not quite done with winter’s grip, so don’t rush to put away those cozy sweaters just yet. It’s still possible to get a few more cold spells before we really say goodbye to the cold for good.
