Chicago forecast calls for temperature rollercoaster this week

The Chicago area basked in the warmth of temperatures in the 70s on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday will mark a cold slap of reality for residents.

That’s because temperatures have tumbled on Sunday and won’t recover much, with readings remaining in the 40s in the city and perhaps lingering around 50 degrees in the far southern suburbs, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Strong northerly breezes are going to make things feel even chillier in the area Sunday, with persistent clouds and the chance of scattered showers also in the forecast for the conclusion of the weekend.

Some of those clouds are expected to linger in the area through Monday, with temperatures right around the freezing mark when residents head out for the morning commute, according to forecast models.

High temperatures will still be on the chilly side, with readings only in the mid-40s, though there will be warmer temps away from the lakefront.

Some lingering clouds into Monday.

Clouds will start to increase again Tuesday, but winds will shift out of the south and help to push temperatures up, with readings in the mid-50s across the area under those cloudy skies. There isn’t rain expected as part of that system, but precipitation could re-emerge later in the week.

That’s when temperatures will warm to more pleasant levels, with readings in the mid-to-upper 60s by Thursday when the Chicago Cubs kick off their 2026 season at Wrigley Field when they take on the Washington Nationals.

Unfortunately there is also a chance for showers on Thursday, and on the back side of that system temperatures are expected to drop yet again, with highs only in the upper-30s and low-40s on Friday.

Fortunately that downturn will be short-lived, as readings are expected to bounce back into the 50s over the weekend.

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