Chicago Braces for Record Warmth and Severe Storms as Daylight Saving Time Begins

Chicagoans are set to “spring forward” into a week of dramatic weather swings, starting with record-breaking warmth and culminating in the potential for severe thunderstorms. The change to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, 2026, will usher in a period of unseasonably high temperatures before a powerful storm system arrives.

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday

At 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8, 2026, clocks in Chicago will move forward one hour as daylight saving time begins. Time and Date confirms this change, shifting the time zone to CDT (Central Daylight Time), UTC-5. This means residents will lose an hour of sleep but gain an extra hour of daylight in the evenings.

Warmth Builds Through Monday

The NBC 5 Storm Team forecasts a quick warm-up following the chilly start to Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit due to brisk southwesterly winds. Monday will be even warmer, with highs potentially climbing into the low to mid-70s.

If temperatures at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it will break the previous record for the date, which was 69 degrees set in both 1974 and 2021.

Severe Weather Threat on Tuesday

The record warmth won’t last, as a significant weather system is expected to move through the area on Tuesday. Areas south of Interstate 80, including LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Jasper and Newton counties in Indiana, are under an “enhanced” risk of severe weather, according to the Storm Prediction Center. NBC Chicago reports that this is the third of five levels of severe weather risk, indicating the potential for significant thunderstorms.

The rest of the Chicago area is currently at a “slight” risk. Potential threats include powerful wind gusts, large hail, and even tornadoes. Forecast models will be refined as the date approaches.

Cooler Temperatures and Possible Snow to Follow

Following the passage of the storm system, temperatures will plummet beginning Wednesday, with highs retreating into the 40s. There is even a chance of snow mixed with showers, and another cold front could arrive by next weekend.

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for the latest updates and to download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts. NBC Chicago provides resources for staying informed about the changing weather conditions.