Chicago forecast will include warmer temperatures this week

The Chicago area saw cooler temperatures and even some snow on Saturday, but things are about to change in a big way.

Some parts of the Chicago area will see readings in the mid-to-upper 40s in coming days, part of a prolonged stretch of temperatures above the freezing mark as the region thaws out from January’s deep freeze.

Sunday will still be on the cool side across the region, with forecasted highs around 30 degrees and wind chills dipping into the upper-teens and low-20s, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Clouds will start to increase overnight, but a southerly breeze is expected to begin to warm things up in a big way. According to forecast models, Monday’s high temperatures are expected to soar into the upper-30s and the low-40s, with warmer readings away from the shores of Lake Michigan.

Things are expected to be even warmer on Tuesday, with readings rising into the mid-to-upper 40s across the area. Some far-southern suburbs could even see the mercury hit 50 degrees, well above average for mid-February and a far cry from the cold that the region has dealt with in recent weeks.

A slight cooldown is expected for the back half of the week, though temperatures will still be pleasant with highs in the upper-30s and low-40s.

The next chance of precipitation will arrive in the area late Thursday and potentially into Friday, though at this point its unclear whether that precipitation will fall in the form of rain or snow, depending on its arrival time and the temperatures in the region.

Highs are expected to stick around that upper-30s and low-40s range into the weekend, and warmer temps could potentially roll into the region by next week.

Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest weather news and information, and download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts sent directly to your phone.