Unseasonably warm weather expected to grace Chicago area this week

Unseasonably warm weather is predicted to grace the Chicago area this week, with high temperatures climbing into the upper 50s and 60s.

On Tuesday, afternoon highs will range from 51 to 58 degrees. On Wednesday, highs are predicted to rise to 58 to 63 degrees. Depending on the cloud cover, enough sunshine could lead to temperatures in the upper 60s, according to the National Weather Service.

This February is poised to be one of Chicago’s warmest in over 150 years.

“When you’re getting into record territory like that, it’s certainly not typical,” meteorologist Jake Petr said.

Though unlikely, it’s possible for temperatures Wednesday to be record-breaking. The record high for Feb. 21 at O’Hare International Airport, the city’s collection site, is 67 degrees, set in 1930.

Temperatures are expected to be similar across Chicago and the suburbs. South of Interstate 80, however, there’s  a 30 to 60% chance of rain showers Wednesday night into Thursday morning, according to the weather service.

A push of relatively colder air is expected into to descend over the region Friday and Saturday. Still, highs aren’t expected to drop below the 40s. Normally, temperatures hover at around 38 degrees late February, Petr said.

“We’re getting closer to what’s typical this time of year, but still, just slightly warmer even,” Petr said.

Early next week, another round balmy weather will cover the area.

“Right on the heels of our brief, I guess you could call it a cool down, temperatures could easily warm into the 60s,” Petr said.

The unusual warmth is expected to continue into the coming weeks. According to the Climate Prediction Center Outlook, there’s a 70 to 80% chance for above normal temperatures through March 4.

“Certainly appears like the trend towards warmer than normal, for this next stretch of time, is still quite favorable,” Petr said.

karmanini@chicagotribune.com