Sunday Forecast: Chicagoland Weather Plummets After March Roller Coaster Start
Current Conditions
The weather in Chicagoland continues to be a wild ride this Sunday, with temperatures taking a sharp turn for the colder. The warm spring-like conditions that lasted through Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday are fading fast. By morning, some areas have already experienced a noticeable drop in temperature, and this trend is expected to continue throughout the day. By dinnertime, temperatures could dip into the 30s, marking a significant shift from the previous day’s warmth.
The Next Few Hours
Brisk north and northeast winds are playing a major role in bringing the cold air into Chicagoland, with gusts reaching up to 30 miles per hour. These strong winds are especially affecting areas along Lake Michigan, where the chill is more pronounced.
The cold air is expected to linger through Monday, starting the workweek with a touch of winter. Morning flurries may occur along the lake, but skies will clear up by afternoon, offering a sunny outlook. High temperatures on Monday will only reach the low 40s, and it will feel even colder near the lake due to the wind.
Extended Outlook
Thankfully, the March weather roller coaster is set to climb again by midweek. High temperatures are expected to rise into the 60s by Thursday, which coincides with the Cubs’ home opener and season start. However, there is a chance of afternoon showers on Thursday, so weather conditions will need to be monitored closely, especially since the first pitch at Wrigley Field is scheduled for 1:20 p.m.
After this midweek warming trend, the temperature will once again take a dip by the weekend, signaling another round of cooler weather.
Forecast U.S. Highs: Next 8 Days
For the next 10 days, blistering early-season temperatures in the 100s are expected to continue across the Southwest. The heat will gradually build across Texas and the Plains in the coming week. Meanwhile, cold fronts will mainly impact the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, bringing brief intrusions of late-season Arctic air.
Forecast Temperature Anomaly Animation: Next 15 Days
While there may be occasional dips in temperature across the nation’s midsection and Northeast, the Western U.S. is expected to experience a persistent heat dome. This dome will rebuild multiple times over the next 15 days, with potential relief only appearing toward the end of the period.
Forecast Average Temperature Anomaly: 5-Day Intervals
March 19–March 23
A remarkable 20- to 25-degree average temperature anomaly is expected across the Western U.S., which is likely to break numerous records.
March 24–March 28
The heat dome will persist in the West and extend into the Western Plains, while portions of the Northeast and New England will experience late-season chill.
March 29–April 2
A warmer-than-normal pattern is anticipated for much of the Lower 48, except for New England, where sub-normal temperatures will continue for a bit longer.
Tracking Weather Systems Across the U.S.: Next 6 Days
Only minor weather systems are expected over the next six days, primarily in the form of Alberta Clippers moving across the Northern Tier. These systems are linked to moisture from the Pacific rather than the Gulf of Mexico. There is a slight risk of snowfall along the U.S./Canadian border due to the northern storm track.
Forecast Precipitation: Next 7 Days
Little to no precipitation is expected in the Chicagoland area over the next week. The heaviest rainfall will likely occur in northern New England, as the storm track directs most of the moisture there.
Potential Snowfall: Next 15 Days (European Model Ensemble)
Although predicting exact snowfall amounts for this time frame is not precise, this map provides a general idea of where snow is likely to fall for the remainder of the month and into the first few days of April.
The areas most likely to see accumulating snow include the U.S./Canadian border and parts of New England, where temperatures may be just cold enough to allow snow to stick.
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