Chicago welcomes warmer days with a spring surprise

Chicago is trading its winter coat for sunshine this week as temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s. The city’s last full day of winter started crisp, with lakefront areas stuck in the 40s while inland spots like Kankakee flirted with 60. But the real change arrives Friday, when spring officially begins at 9:46 a. m. The shift is noticeable—Friday brings 50s and 60s, with southern areas even touching 70.The weekend looks even better. Saturday might be the star, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s under clear skies. The mild weather sticks around through Sunday, making it hard to believe winter ever existed. But the real draw isn’t just the warmth—it’s a rare sight called Chicagohenge. Twice a year, the sun lines up perfectly with Chicago’s east-west streets, creating a glowing corridor between buildings. This happens during the spring and fall equinoxes, when the sun rises and sets almost due east and west. The best viewing times are early mornings and late afternoons from Friday through Monday. Clear skies all weekend mean ideal conditions for catching the phenomenon.