The Chicago area is once again facing a cold fall morning as freeze warnings and frost advisories have been issued for nearly all of Northeastern Illinois. The NBC 5 Storm Team has predicted similar conditions for Thursday morning, making it important for residents to take necessary precautions.
The current weather conditions come after a day of chilly and wet weather, which left hail piled up on patios and sidewalks, giving the appearance of a dusting of snow. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning until 9 a.m. for McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy, and Kenosha Counties, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 28 degrees. In Lake, northern Cook, Will, and Kankakee Counties, a frost advisory has been issued until 9 a.m. with temperatures as low as 32 degrees.
The NWS has warned that these conditions could potentially harm crops, sensitive vegetation, and even outdoor plumbing. It is important for residents to take necessary precautions to protect their plants and bring them indoors if possible.
According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, Wednesday will be a drier and slightly warmer day, with temperatures reaching the low to mid 50s. However, the temperatures are expected to rebound into the 60s by Thursday. But before that, another round of frost is expected, although warnings and advisories have not yet been issued.
The NWS has stated that widespread frost and near sub-freezing temperatures are expected again tonight, away from Chicago and the lakeshore. This could result in an end to the growing season for much of the area. They have advised residents to cover sensitive plants or bring them indoors to protect them from the cold.
Friday is expected to bring milder conditions, with temperatures reaching a high of 70 degrees. The NBC 5 Storm Team has predicted even milder conditions leading into the weekend.
Many may wonder when Chicago’s average first frost typically occurs. According to the NWS, the first freeze of the fall usually happens in mid-October for most of the Chicago area, ranging between October 11th and 20th. This year, we are right on schedule, as stated by Roman.
The average date for the first freeze in Chicago is October 19th, with areas closer to the lake experiencing a later date due to the proximity to Lake Michigan. For the rest of the suburbs, the first freeze typically occurs earlier, around October 13th in Rockford.
Roman has also shared some interesting facts about the earliest and latest first freeze on record. The earliest first freeze for the Chicago area occurred on September 22nd, 1995, while the latest first freeze was on November 24th, 1931.
In 2023, Chicago experienced its first sub-freezing temperature on October 30th, with a low of 31 degrees. The following day, on Halloween, the city saw nearly an inch of snow, marking its first measurable snowfall of the season.
As we prepare for the colder temperatures, it is important to remember to take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our surroundings. Let us embrace the changing seasons and enjoy the beauty of fall while staying warm and safe.
