Weather
Illinois Weather Alert: 40 MPH Winds, Frost After Thursday Rain Oct 14-15
Chicago, IL – Northern Illinois residents are facing a sharp weather change this week as&…
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-14T11:11:57.865Z
Chicago, IL – Northern Illinois residents are facing a sharp weather change this week as a fall storm brings soaking rain Thursday, powerful wind gusts Friday and the possibility of widespread frost by Saturday morning. Temperatures could drop from the lower 70s Wednesday to near freezing in some communities by the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, an approaching storm system will bring widespread showers beginning late Thursday morning, with rain continuing through Thursday night. Rain chances Thursday night range from 40% to 60%.
Strong Winds Arrive Friday
Behind the storm, gusty northwest winds will develop Thursday night and continue through Friday afternoon.
Forecasters expect wind gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph Friday afternoon, potentially creating difficult conditions for drivers, particularly on exposed highways and open roads.
Friday will also bring noticeably colder temperatures, with afternoon highs ranging from 53 to 56 degrees across the forecast area.
Lake effect showers are possible Friday, primarily across northwest Indiana.
Frost Threat Develops Friday Night
The bigger temperature change arrives Friday night into Saturday morning.
Overnight lows could fall between 32 and 46 degrees, with the coldest readings expected away from Chicago and Lake Michigan.
The National Weather Service forecasts widespread frost across inland areas Friday night, with another opportunity for frost Saturday night.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants should prepare for potentially damaging cold temperatures.
Saturday afternoon will remain cool, with highs between 54 and 57 degrees before temperatures rebound into the 60s Sunday.
For Wednesday, isolated morning drizzle near Lake Michigan and south of Interstate 80 should give way to mostly dry conditions, with highs reaching 61 to 72 degrees.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts as the storm approaches, particularly for Friday's strong winds and the weekend frost threat.