Chicago is in for a change of weather as summer-like temperatures give way to cooler fall weather and the clouds roll in. According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday saw a heat record tied in Chicago, with temperatures reaching 83 degrees at O’Hare International Airport. This was the highest temperature for October 24th since 1963.
Though temperatures will remain mild through the rest of the week, temperatures will drop by as much as 30 degrees beginning Saturday and into next week. Additionally, the NBC 5 Storm Team has forecasted daily chances for rain and isolated thunderstorms for the next several days.
Wednesday will see overnight rain, with heavier rainfall in Grundy county and more moderate rain in Kankakee. Scattered, light rain showers will continue into Wednesday morning and potentially through the morning commute. By lunchtime, much of the rain will have moved out of the area, but clouds are expected to remain. Beginning around 8 p.m., another round of showers and potentially isolated thunderstorms will pick back up, with more moderate rain overnight. Temperatures Wednesday will remain breezy mild, with a high of 68 degrees.
Thursday will see rain showers continuing, but likely only in the northern counties. Another round of widespread showers is set to move in by 4 p.m., with some isolated thunderstorms likely late Thursday. Additionally, winds are set to return Thursday, with morning gusts between 25 and 30 miles per hour. In the afternoon and evening, those gusts are expected to increase, with winds as high as 30 and 35 miles per hour. Temperatures Thursday are expected to be slightly warmer, with a high of 72 degrees.
Daily chances for on-and-off showers and storms continue Friday and into the weekend, with another round of rain expected to hit Friday during the daytime and Saturday night. Friday will also see the last warm day for awhile, with a high of 74 degrees. Beginning Saturday, temperatures are expected to be nearly 20 degrees lower, at 55 degrees, and falling from there. By the time Halloween hits, temperatures are expected to tumble into the 40s.
Though Chicago is in for a gloomy and rainy few days, the cooler weather is a reminder of the changing of the seasons. The cooler temperatures also provide an opportunity to get out and enjoy the fall weather, with activities such as apple picking, hayrides, and pumpkin carving. It’s also a great time to cozy up with some hot cocoa and a good book.
No matter how you choose to spend the next few days, it’s important to stay safe and be mindful of the weather conditions. Make sure to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared for the cooler temperatures. With the right attitude and preparation, you can still make the most of the cooler weather and enjoy the changing of the seasons.
