Warmer Temperatures To Last Through The Week, Chicago Thaws Out

After a miserable, freezing, snowy few months, Chicagoans have busted out their sunglasses, running shoes and spring jackets--temperatures are above freezing for the first time this year.

On Sunday, forecasters were originally predicting a high of 40 degrees. By 3:30 p.m., however, the city was 45 degrees and sunny.

The National Weather Service is predicting highs in the upper 30's and mid-to-low 40's for most of the week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 50's by Friday.

The more than 20 inches of snow an early February blizzard dumped on the city began melting Sunday--and should be nearly gone by the end of the week. There is a chance of rain showers Wednesday through Friday, according to the NWS, which should accelerate the melting.

"A lot of people are ready to thaw out," NBC Meteorologist Ginger Zee said. "They're going to get it."