Chicago is waking up on the chilly side, with light rain falling and temperatures near 41°F. The high should top out around 46°F this afternoon, but a north wind around 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph, will keep it feeling brisk. A few spotty showers could linger into the afternoon, so a light jacket is still the smart move, and the lakeshore will stay a few degrees cooler than many inland blocks.
Afternoon Winds And Spotty Showers
Clouds should thin a bit by late morning and into the afternoon, offering some breaks of sun. Still, a few brief, isolated showers may bubble up, mainly along the lake breeze. With winds turning more northerly to northeasterly, shoreline neighborhoods will hang onto that chill, while inland spots may feel a touch milder when the sun sneaks out. Roads could get a little slick where showers pass through, but no major travel problems are expected.
Overnight Frost Risk
According to the National Weather Service, skies will clear, and winds will ease tonight, which is the perfect recipe for a chilly drop. Temperatures are expected to slip into the low to mid 30s in some outlying neighborhoods, while much of the city and lakeshore should stay closer to the upper 30s. Forecasters have posted a Frost Advisory for much of the area.
Central Cook County, including most of the city core, is not included in that advisory, since the urban heat island is likely to keep temperatures just high enough to fend off widespread frost. Even so, gardeners outside the immediate lakeshore are being urged to cover or bring in tender plants before tonight. By early Saturday, expect to see a light frosting on lawns and windshields in the colder pockets.
Weekend Warmup
After the cold start, temperatures will bounce back on Sunday and Monday. Highs should reach around 63°F on Sunday, followed by a jump to about 72°F on Monday as southwest winds pick up and pull in warmer air. That warmup will also drag in more moisture, setting the stage for a better chance of showers and thunderstorms on Monday, so early-week outdoor plans may end up dodging some downpours. For a deeper look at both the frost threat and the rebound ahead, check out our earlier frost-and-warmup breakdown.
What To Do
If you are outside the immediate lakeshore, cover potted and tender plants tonight, and pull any sensitive outdoor gear inside to be safe. Keep an umbrella within reach for those hit-or-miss showers this afternoon, and check the National Weather Service for the latest advisories as Monday's warmer, stormier pattern moves in.
