Chicagoans are waking up to bone-chilling cold as an Arctic air mass grips the city, pushing temperatures well below normal for this time of year. If you’ve stepped outside today, you’ve already felt the icy blast—a stark reminder that winter is far from over.
But here’s the good news: relief is coming. A shift in the jet stream will bring significantly warmer air to the region in the coming days, causing temperatures to rise by nearly 20 degrees in just a few days.
It’s the kind of weather whiplash Chicago is known for, and it means you’ll need both your winter coat and a lighter jacket this week.
What’s Causing This Weather Shift?
The Arctic blast currently gripping Chicago is due to a strong cold front that pushed down from Canada, bringing subzero wind chills, icy roads, and dangerously low temperatures.
However, this won’t last long. A change in the jet stream pattern is already underway, and by the weekend, milder air from the south will start creeping in, allowing temperatures to climb steadily into the 40s by early next week.
This kind of dramatic swing in temperatures can create a few challenges, including:
- Frozen pipes thawing too quickly, leading to potential leaks.
- Icy roads turning to slush, making for dangerous driving conditions.
- Fluctuating temperatures impacting power lines, potentially leading to minor outages.
While the cold is still the immediate concern, residents should also be prepared for melting snow and slick roads as the warmer air arrives.
Chicago’s Weather Forecast – Day-by-Day Breakdown
- Friday, February 21: Still cold, but with more sunshine. Highs will reach 26°F (-3°C), while nighttime temperatures dip to 15°F (-9°C).
- Saturday, February 22: A bit warmer, with highs near 30°F (-1°C). Breezy conditions will make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
- Sunday, February 23: Not as harsh! Expect more clouds, some sun, and highs climbing to 38°F (3°C).
- Monday, February 24: The big warm-up begins, with increasing clouds and a high of 46°F (8°C).
- Tuesday, February 25: A cloudy but mild day with temperatures holding at 44°F (7°C).
- Wednesday, February 26: Cloudy with the chance of rain later in the day, reaching 45°F (7°C).
This means that while the city is currently locked in freezing temperatures, by next week, it’ll feel far more manageable.
How to Stay Safe During This Extreme Cold
Before we get to the warmer days ahead, it’s important to stay safe during this brutal cold snap.
Cold Weather Safety Tips:
- Limit Outdoor Exposure – Frostbite can happen in as little as 30 minutes in temperatures this low. If you must be outside, wear insulated layers, gloves, and a hat.
- Protect Your Pipes – Let faucets drip slightly to prevent frozen pipes, which can burst when the weather warms up.
- Keep Pets Indoors – If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Make sure pets have a warm place to stay.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors – Elderly residents, those without reliable heating, and individuals experiencing homelessness are at the highest risk during extreme cold.
As we transition into warmer temperatures later this week, also watch out for melting ice, which can lead to slippery conditions and even localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Final Thoughts
Chicago is known for its unpredictable weather, and this week is no exception. From frigid Arctic temperatures to a spring-like warm-up in just a few days, residents need to prepare for both ends of the spectrum.
For now, bundle up and stay indoors whenever possible, but get ready for milder days
