Gorgeous Saturday brings sunshine, mid-70s temps

Near-perfect conditions are on tap for Saturday, with widespread sunshine and temperatures soaring into the mid-70s.

Some cloud cover remained at around 6:30 a.m., but it didn’t last long at all. Skies cleared quickly, paving the way for a day filled with sunshine.

The NBC 5 Storm Team’s hour-by-hour Stormcast showed temperatures climbing rapidly from the upper 40s into the low 60s by noon – then surging into the mid-70s by the afternoon. Highs are expected to reach the mid-70s under mostly sunny skies, with winds out of the southwest at 12 to 22 miles an hour keeping any lake breezes at bay, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack explained.

The gorgeous weather only lasts a day, unfortunately.

As a cold front slides through, winds will turn out of the north. Despite the shift, beautiful conditions will remain in the evening, with temperatures only slipping into the mid-60s.

Overnight, however, readings will begin taking a nosedive as the cold front settles south. Temperatures will bottom out in the low 30s early Sunday morning.

Runners might encounter a sprinkle or light rain shower during the Shamrock Shuffle, which kicks off at 8:20 a.m., but don’t expect any meaningful opportunity for rain.

A better chance for showers arrives in the afternoon.

Persistent breezes out of the north and east will usher in much cooler air, with highs only reaching the mid-40s – a drastic 30-degree difference from around 24 hours earlier. Temperatures around 44 degrees are likely, with a chance for showers and winds out of the north at 12 to 22 miles per hour putting a bit of chill in the air.

A stray light rain shower or sprinkle is possible Monday amid thick lake-effect clouds.

By the afternoon, clouds will dissipate as winds ease slightly, but temperatures will still be on the chilly side.

Highs are expected to reach 45 degrees, Sack said.

Some sunshine will return on Tuesday, with high temperatures climbing into the mid-50s. More clouds than sun are expected on Wednesday, with highs also reaching the mid-50s.

Thursday, opening day at Wrigley Field, looks comfortable, with values in the lower 60s.

There will be a chance of a stray shower, however.

After that, cooler conditions return Friday, with highs dropping into the mid-40s.