Chicago experiencing 'weather whiplash' as temps in 60s Friday, 30s by Saturday

The Chicago area is experiencing a "weather whiplash" as temperatures are expected to climb well above normal Friday before dropping roughly 30 degrees by Saturday.

Friday's highs are expected to reach the low-60s in the metro area and could reach the mid-60s in the southwest suburbs before plummeting to the mid-30s by Saturday and struggling to reach the freezing point by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

"Meteorological spring actually starts on March 1, so that's the time of year when we get these big shifts in the temperature," said Brett Borchardt, a meteorologist with the weather service.

"For this particular setup, there is a low pressure system that's going to be moving along the United States and Canadian border. Since we're on the south side of that system, it's going to be pulling in warm air northward, so we're kind of benefiting from our placement, but that's still going to drive a cold front through our area."

"Weather whiplashes are pretty common this time of year, and that's just what can be taking place with the system," Borchardt added.

There are a "couple of chances for snow" Saturday near the Wisconsin state line and Sunday night in the south suburbs, though the metro area may not see much snow.

"It won't be slam dunks for everybody," Borchardt said of the snow probabilities.