
After weeks of brutal cold, Mother Nature is finally cutting Chicago a break—but don’t get too comfortable just yet.
Temperatures hit a high of 49 degrees on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), well above the seasonal average.
The mild weather will continue through Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by mostly sunny skies.
On Friday, temperatures will remain above average with a high of 48 degrees, but the NWS predicts snowy and rainy conditions throughout the day.
The weekend will stay relatively mild, with highs of 36 on Saturday and 47 on Sunday.
But winter isn’t over yet—by Monday, February 3, temperatures will dip back to freezing, with a high of just 32.
What’s next for winter in Chicago? It’s complicated.
Chicago is currently in the throes of a La Niña weather pattern, a phenomenon that can bring colder and snowier conditions to the region.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests La Niña’s impact could go either way.
Chicago has equal chances of experiencing colder-than-average or above-average temps throughout February and March, according to NOAA.
In short, winter’s future in Chicago is uncertain. While this week’s warmer temperatures are a welcome break, the cold could return with a vengeance. So, don’t pack away your puffer coat just yet—you might need it sooner than you think!