Chicago encounters dramatic temperature shifts ahead of unseasonably warm Christmas

Swings in temperatures are expected across the Chicago area this weekend before a steady warmup arrives leading up until Christmas.

The weekend kicked off with a chill in the air and winds from the southwest at around 21 miles per hour as temperatures sat near the freezing mark, making it feel in the low-to-mid 20s.

Despite the chilly conditions, temperatures will rise as the day goes on.

While there may be sunshine at times, clouds will dominate for most of Saturday, and they won’t begin clearing until the afternoon. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said stray sprinkles or flurries are possible during the morning and afternoon, though clouds will bring a noticeable lack of moisture.

Despite the prolonged cloudy conditions, the Chicago area will see high temperatures around the 40-degree mark with winds out of the west at between 10 and 20 miles an hour.

Winds will back off slightly this evening, but rather pleasant conditions will arrive at Soldier Field as the Bears take on the Packers at 7:20 p.m.

By nighttime, roughly 8 p.m. or so, a few stray clouds may drift on through.

A shift in the winds will arrive after the game ends, around midnight, paving the way for chillier temperatures on Sunday.

The day will begin with morning lows in the mid teens under partly cloudy skies and winds around 20 miles per hour. As a result, wind chill values will be in the single digits.

While we’ll see plenty of sunshine, if you’re going to be doing any last-minute shopping — make sure to grab your winter coat because temperatures will be rather chilly. Since sunshine will arrive at times throughout the day, it’ll be a good idea to keep your sunglasses handy as well.

Sunday overall will bring highs in the mid-to-upper 20s under mostly sunny skies. Winds will settle down slightly throughout the day, with gusts between 6 and 12 miles per hour.

After that, get ready for another temperature swing.

Readings will climb into the 40s once again on Monday; temperatures will warm above freezing, and they’ll stay above that mark on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Christmas Eve, expect more clouds than sunshine.

There will be a slight chance for showers, but you should still prepare for an all rain event as temperatures stay in the 40s, Sack said.

Christmas will arrive soon after, bringing what might be a surprise for many.

High temperatures will be unseasonably warm, climbing to the mid 50s under mostly cloudy skies. So if the kids get any summer presents, they’ll have a chance to use them on Christmas Day.

In the days following, Friday and Saturday, temperatures will begin slowly cooling off but will still be well above normal for this time of year. Highs are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 40s, Sack stated.