Chicago, Illinois – Strong storms and gusty winds could disrupt travel across the Chicago area Monday evening, with a sharp temperature drop arriving within 24 hours that sets the stage for possible frost by early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a line of thunderstorms Monday carries a low-end severe risk, with breezy conditions and lightning impacting areas along I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive through the evening hours. Highs will reach between 65 and 70 degrees before colder air quickly moves in overnight.
By Tuesday, temperatures fall into the low 60s, then continue dropping into the 50s by Wednesday and Thursday. Overnight lows will dip to 38 to 42 degrees midweek, cooling further to 34 to 39 degrees by early Friday—cold enough for patchy frost, especially in outlying and low-lying areas west of the city.
Communities including Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, and Waukegan may see the greatest frost risk Friday morning if skies clear and winds weaken. Sensitive plants should be covered, and residents are urged to protect outdoor vegetation.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois:
Monday: Breezy with storms, high 65–70, low 47–53
Tuesday: Cooler, partly cloudy, high 61–64, low 43–49
Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high 54–62, low 38–42
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 54–62, low 38–42
Friday: Partly cloudy, high 51–59, low 34–39, patchy frost possible
