Near Record-Breaking Warmth Likely For Chicago Area Thursday

ILLINOIS — Mild weather will continue Thursday, as an expected high of 55 degrees could challenge record highs for Jan. 30.

According to National Weather Service data, these mild temperatures are unusual for January. The record high for Jan. 30 is 55 degrees, which was set back in 1988.

Comparatively, the record low for Jan. 30 is -21, which was set in 2019.

Thursday's forecast looks like there is a chance to challenge that record before a system of rain moves into the area late Thursday and into Friday, bringing a chance of a rain/snow mix, according to the current forecast.

Historically, January usually has normal average temperatures in the 20s, with normal highs in the low 30s, according to weather service data. January is the coldest month for Chicago.

The normal high temperature for Jan. 30 is 31.7 degrees, so Thursday's forecast is well above normal.

According to the NOAA's 6-10 day outlook for the beginning of February, temperatures look to cool off with a slight chance of below normal temperatures. The first week of February also looks to have a "leaning above" chance of above normal precipitation.