Chicago Weather: Temperatures to Reach Record-Breaking Territory on Thursday
Current Weather Conditions
It was another beautiful day in the neighborhood! Temperatures soared into the upper 40s under sunny skies. Average highs for late January are in the lower 30s. And the good news – the warm air is here to stay for a while longer.
Record Warmth
In fact, the Chicago area is looking at possible record warmth on Thursday. The record high temperature at O’Hare for January 30th is 55 degrees, set back in 1988. Thursday will bring increasing cloud cover during the day, and then the chance of rain will move in during the late afternoon and evening. High temperatures will be dependent on just how long we’re able to hold onto sunshine, but it seems reasonable that temperatures rise into the mid 50s.
Looking Ahead
On and off showers will continue Thursday night into Friday. Heavy downpours will be possible at times, especially early Friday morning. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s to low 40s for highs on Friday. It isn’t out of the question that we see snow mixing in with the rain at times.
Forecast Details
Most of the area is forecast to see 0.5 to 1″ of precipitation from our Thursday-Friday storm system. Localized higher amounts will be possible depending on where the heaviest bands of rain develop. Due to frozen ground, in addition to the melting of river ice, ice jams and flooding will be a concern late this week and into the weekend.
Weekend and Early Next Week
Saturday and Sunday will be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 30s on Saturday and then near 50 on Sunday. Cooler air will arrive early next workweek with highs in the upper 30s on Monday and mid 30s on Tuesday. Skies will remain mostly cloudy through the middle of next week.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chicago area is expecting record-breaking warmth on Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid 50s. However, the warm weather will be followed by a storm system that will bring rain and a chance of snow on Friday. The weekend will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 30s on Saturday and near 50 on Sunday. Cooler air will arrive early next week.
FAQs
Q: What is the record high temperature for January 30th at O’Hare?
A: The record high temperature for January 30th at O’Hare is 55 degrees, set back in 1988.
Q: What is the forecast for Thursday’s high temperature?
A: High temperatures on Thursday are expected to rise into the mid 50s, pending how long we’re able to hold onto sunshine.
Q: What is the chance of snow on Friday?
A: There is a chance of snow mixing in with the rain on Friday, especially in the morning hours.
Q: How much precipitation is expected from the Thursday-Friday storm system?
A: Most of the area is forecast to see 0.5 to 1″ of precipitation from the storm system, with localized higher amounts possible.
