Warmer, Rainy Week Ahead For Christmas In Illinois

ILLINOIS — The week of Christmas is here, and with the big day just 48 hours away, chances do not look good for a white Christmas. Although there is snow on the ground still in some areas, the mild temperatures and rain will most likely sweep away the rest of the snow.

Temperatures will have highs in the 40s all week, and will even peak in the 50s on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Monday will have a high of 42, Tuesday a high of 40, Wednesday a high of 41, Thursday a high of 47 and Friday a high of 53.

An icy start to the week is possible on Monday, as there is a small chance of freezing rain or drizzle through 10 a.m., especially east of Interstate 57, according to the National Weather Service.

Besides the possible freezing rain on Monday, no hazardous weather is expected Tuesday through Sunday.

"There will be another chance for showers late Tuesday night into Wednesday, with the best chances mainly south of Interstate 80," the weather service said on its Facebook.

Chicago is actually the second most-likely city in the United States to have a white Christmas, according to historical probability. According to AccuWeather, the top spot goes to Denver with a 34 percent chance, and Chicago with a 33. 5 percent chance.

2022 was the most recent year that Chicagoans saw snow on the ground on Christmas Day, according to AccuWeather.