Despite strong winds of 45 to 50 mph, temperatures in the Chicago area reached a near-record high Friday.
Temperatures at Midway Airport reached 60 degrees, while 57 degrees was recorded at O’Hare, the National Weather Service said. Friday’s high temps were just shy of the record high of 62 degrees set in 2016.
The average high for Feb. 28 is 40.5 degrees, and the average low is 26.1.
Weather officials issued a wind advisory until 9 p.m. Friday as wind gusts up to 50 mph were expected to move through the area.
Drivers are advised to use caution in the evening. The weather service also recommends that people secure lightweight outdoor furniture and decorations and avoid activities that could cause open flames or sparks, such as parking on grass and improperly disposing of smoking materials.
Despite the unseasonably high temps, temperatures dropped significantly by Friday evening. Scattered showers and even a few flurries were also possible in the evening.
Cooler weather will stick around over the weekend. On Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach the low 30s before plunging to the high teens at night.
Sunday’s temperatures are predicted to hover in the high 30s during the day and drop to the high 20s at night.
Monday will see the return of milder weather, with highs predicted to hit the low to mid-40s but with a chance of rain or snow showers.
It will remain windy through this evening before winds gradually subside overnight. Isolated-scattered light snow showers/flurries may be seen in some locations tonight as well. Quiet, cooler conditions expected over the weekend before the next system mid-next week. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/wR61aBweue
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 28, 2025