Chicago Weather: Cool and Wet Stretch to Give Way to Warmer Temperatures
Introduction to the Current Weather Pattern
The Chicago area has seen a wet and relatively rare stretch of cool May weather lately, and the start to this week could continue that streak — but then a big change is expected. According to the National Weather Service, Chicago’s Northerly Island has recorded nine consecutive days with high temperatures below 60 degrees. This is a significant streak, especially during the month of May.
Understanding the Reason Behind the Cool Weather
The National Weather Service reported that “such a long streak entirely during the month of May has only happened once before within the past 20 years, in early 2021.” The “persistently cool air” is the result of an “unusually long period of onshore flow facilitated by a large high pressure system parked over the northern Great Lakes.” This unique combination of weather patterns has led to the cooler temperatures and wet conditions in the Chicago area.
Weather Forecast for the Week
Relatively cool temperatures will continue through the middle of the week, accompanied by periods of showers, especially tonight and tomorrow. However, a pattern shift toward sunnier and warmer conditions will commence toward the end of the week. The National Weather Service Chicago tweeted, “Relatively cool temperatures will continue through the middle of the week accompanied by periods of showers (especially tonight and tomorrow). A pattern shift toward sunnier and warmer conditions will commence toward the end of the week.”
Expected Changes in the Weather Pattern
But a “pattern shift” is expected by early next month, according to the National Weather Service. The change will begin by the end of this week, as weekend temperatures look to top 80 degrees. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, “Temperatures will be warming up each and every day this week.” Highs by Saturday and Sunday look to reach into the mid-80s for most in the region.
Rain Chances and Weekend Forecast
That will come after a mostly chilly and potentially rainy week, however. Rain chances will linger through the region, mostly scattered in nature, nearly every day in the lead-up to the weekend. The biggest threat for rain comes Wednesday, when heavier downpours could be possible for some parts of the area. Alicia Roman has the latest forecast update for the Chicago area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area is experiencing a rare stretch of cool May weather, but a pattern shift is expected to bring warmer temperatures by the end of the week. Residents can expect a mostly chilly and potentially rainy week, with rain chances lingering through the region. However, weekend temperatures are expected to top 80 degrees, bringing a welcome change to the cooler conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather pattern in Chicago?
A: The Chicago area is experiencing a wet and relatively rare stretch of cool May weather, with high temperatures below 60 degrees for nine consecutive days.
Q: What is the reason behind the cool weather?
A: The “persistently cool air” is the result of an “unusually long period of onshore flow facilitated by a large high pressure system parked over the northern Great Lakes.”
Q: What can we expect from the weather forecast for the week?
A: Relatively cool temperatures will continue through the middle of the week, accompanied by periods of showers, especially tonight and tomorrow. A pattern shift toward sunnier and warmer conditions will commence toward the end of the week.
Q: Will it rain this week?
A: Yes, rain chances will linger through the region, mostly scattered in nature, nearly every day in the lead-up to the weekend. The biggest threat for rain comes Wednesday, when heavier downpours could be possible for some parts of the area.
Q: What are the expected temperatures for the weekend?
A: Weekend temperatures look to top 80 degrees, with highs by Saturday and Sunday reaching into the mid-80s for most in the region.
