Chicago weather feels ‘fantastic’ as winter ends, spring begins and a chance to see ‘Chicagohenge’

“Fantastic” weather is expected over the next several days in the Chicago area, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, as the final day of winter sets in and spring begins.

“Good, better, best over the next couple days,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, of the temperatures.

Thursday started out cool, Roman said, with readings in the 30s. Clouds will decrease for sunshine as the day goes on, with a wide temperature range expected of 40s along the lake to 50s inland.

“Kankakee, you could break 60 degrees,” Roman said. “Nice, warm temperatures as we finish the last full day of winter.”

When does spring start? Spring equinox times

Spring officially begins at 9:46 a.m. Friday morning, Roman said. Temperatures Friday will be warmer, with readings in the 50s and 60s.

“Slightly cooler lakefront,” Roman said. To the south, temperatures near 70 degrees were expected.

“Feeling fantastic for the first day of spring,” Roman said with a smile.

Friday also marks the start of a three-day chance to see the phenomenon known as “Chicagohenge.”

Sunrise on Friday, the first day of spring, is the first chance those in Chicago will have the chance to see the phenomenon known as “Chicagohenge.”

“A great opportunity tomorrow through the 23rd of March to get out and see the sun between our buildings,” Roman said.

Chicagohenge occurs twice a year — on the fall and spring equinoxes — and happens when the Sun directly lines up with Chicago’s east-west facing streets. 

“During an equinox, the Sun rises and sets directly to the east and west,” a post from the Adler Planetarium said. “Thanks to Chicago’s perfectly lined grid system, the bi-annual equinoxes mark a time when the Sun rises and sets directly in line with Chicago’s east and west streets, causing Chicagohenge.”

Here’s a breakdown of the best times to see it:

Friday, March 20, 2026: Sunrise at 6:53 am and sunset at 7:02 pm
Saturday, March 21, 2026: Sunrise at 6:51 am and sunset at 7:03 pm
Sunday, March 22, 2026: Sunrise at 6:50 am and sunset at 7:05 pm
Monday, March 23, 2026: Sunrise at 6:48 am and sunset at 7:06 pm

Conditions will remain mostly clear, mild and sunny through the weekend, Roman said, with Saturday perhaps being the “best day of all,” with readings in the mid-to-upper 60s.

“Make your plans, get outside, enjoy,” Roman said.