Chicago breaks century-old record for warmest Feb. 16 in history

Visitors to Chicago's Portage Park enjoy a walk during balmy temperatures on Feb. 16, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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Visitors to Chicago's Portage Park enjoy a walk during balmy temperatures on Feb. 16, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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By Tess Kenny | tkenny@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: February 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM CST

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By Friday and the weekend, high temperatures will dip back into the 30s and 40s.

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At 65 degrees, Chicago breaks century-old record for warmest Feb. 16 in history

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