Chicago area expected to break high temp record today, but will see weekend cool down

The Chicago area is set to shatter a 125-year-old weather record today as temperatures are expected to top out in the mid-60s this afternoon.

That would set a record high for Feb. 16, which has been 58 degrees since 1921, according to National Weather Service data.

The warm up follows weeks where the Chicago area rarely saw temperatures above freezing, and is often sarcastically referred to as the “first fake spring” by cynical Chicago weather watchers.

Forecasters don’t expect the unseasonably warm air to stick around, though. Weather service meteorologists say high temperatures will likely drop back into the 30s by the weekend.

Rain is possible Tuesday with highs that could reach 60 degrees, followed by a windy Wednesday and temperatures that could sneak up to 70 and possibly break another record high for that day. Wednesday’s winds and warmth also bring an elevated fire risk, forecasters warn.

Then there’s a chance for snow late Thursday into Friday.

For perspective, the record low for Feb. 16 is -10 degrees recorded in 1885, according to weather service data.