Winters are particularly harsh in Chicago. Celsius, with maximum temperatures barely above freezing. Although precipitation is not great, it is almost all in the form of snow and blizzard conditions can sweep down from the Canadian Arctic. Freezing rain is another particularly nasty feature which is not uncommon in this part of the Midwest. Although winter may seem like a bad time to visit the area, there can be unseasonably mild spells during the winter months and sunshine does average a respectable four hours per day.
Spring often comes very suddenly to Chicago.
The chinook wind can bring about a sudden rise in temperatures and a rapid thaw of any snow. Well, Arctic blizzards and the chinook certainly give weight to such claims. Weather feature More of Richard and Steff's travel features. Click the drop down menu. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.