Chicago winter weather outlook 2026-2027 hinges on El Niño strength

A clearer picture is emerging of Chicago's winter weather outlook for 2026-2027, as NOAA releases its official forecast. A potentially historic El Niño is expected to play a major role.

• Oct 16

Chicago records wettest summer in 8 years

Frequent rounds of thunderstorms and numerous bouts of severe weather brought Chicago its wettest meteorological summer since 2018, with a rain total of 15.38 inches.

• Sep 1

Contiguous U.S. breaks its record for hottest month ever, NOAA says

Temperatures last month averaged 76.9 degrees Fahrenheit as above-average warmth blanketed the U.S.

• Aug 10

A potentially historic El Niño has developed. Here's what it means for Chicago.

A potentially historic El Niño pattern is no longer just brewing in the Eastern Pacific – it is here.

• Jul 8

Brewing El Niño could bring stormy summer, warmer winter to Chicago area

A potentially historic El Niño pattern is brewing 3,000 miles away from Chicago, with an increasing likelihood of bringing us a stormy summer and a much warmer winter.

• May 19

Potentially historic "Super" El Niño could bring stormy summer, warmer winter to Chicago area

A potentially historic El Niño pattern is brewing 3,000 miles away from Chicago, with an increasing likelihood of bringing us a stormy summer and a much warmer winter.

• May 19

Earth sees third straight hottest day on record, though it's unofficial

One climate scientist called the marks more "evidence ... that global warming is pushing us into a hotter future."

• Jul 6, 2023