Chicago, IL — Unseasonably warm and windy conditions are set to sweep across the Chicago area this week, raising concerns for potential brush fires and other weather-related hazards. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 83 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, a marked contrast from typical late-October weather. Winds could intensify as high as 40 mph, creating an elevated brush fire risk, particularly in dry and grassy areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, this warming trend begins Sunday with temperatures peaking near 64 degrees. By Tuesday, strong southwest winds and summer-like highs will make it feel like mid-July. Residents should exercise caution when using open flames or discarding cigarette butts outdoors, especially near highways like I-55, where dry vegetation can easily ignite.
The warmth will hold until Wednesday night, when a cold front accompanied by heavy rainfall is expected to move through the area. Showers could linger into Thursday morning, though the rain should clear just in time for Halloween trick-or-treating. Temperatures will drop to a more seasonable range, with highs around 58 degrees by Thursday.
Looking ahead, residents can expect a significant cooling trend after the rain clears. Highs will dip back into the low 60s by Friday, with mostly cloudy skies. By Saturday, a chance of showers remains, keeping the cooler temperatures intact as Chicago transitions into November.
