Illinois is bracing for an eventful week of weather as a robust fall storm system sweeps through the Chicago area, bringing with it a mix of near-record warmth, strong winds, heavy rain, and increasing fire risk.
The week kicks off with temperatures reaching 71°F on Monday, accompanied by breezy winds gusting up to 25 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service in Chicago. As we move into Tuesday, temperatures are anticipated to soar to an unseasonably warm 83°F, with a similar forecast for Wednesday, where highs should hover around 82°F.
What’s to watch closely is the potential for strong winds, expected to reach between 40 and 50 mph on both Tuesday and Wednesday. This combination of high temperatures and gusty winds raises concerns about the possibility of rapid brush and grass fire spread, particularly on Tuesday afternoon.
For those looking forward to Halloween festivities, the current forecast suggests that the rain may hold off just in time for trick-or-treaters. According to a Facebook update from the weather service, a cold front is expected to move in, bringing rain late Wednesday night continuing through Thursday morning. However, skies should begin to clear by Thursday afternoon, leading to brisker yet drier conditions, with temperatures settling at 65°F.
Finally, as the week wraps up, a noticeable drop in temperature will likely occur, with Friday’s high expected to reach only 57°F.
