CHICAGO, Ill. – After a cool start to the day, Chicagoans can look forward to a bright and mild stretch through the holiday weekend before cooler air arrives early next week. Fall colors are nearing their peak across northern Illinois, setting up an ideal weekend for pumpkin patches, park walks, and outdoor events.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, temperatures will climb into the upper 60s to low 70s Sunday and Monday, making it one of the warmest mid-October weekends in recent years. Light winds and dry air will make travel smooth along I-90, I-94, and I-55 for those heading out for Columbus Day plans.
By Tuesday, a noticeable shift in the pattern begins as a stronger north wind brings cooler, more seasonable air. Highs will fall back into the 60s, with overnight lows dipping toward the low 50s and possibly 40s by midweek. The NWS expects partly to mostly sunny skies to continue, but the next system could deliver showers late Wednesday into Thursday.
Residents are encouraged to make the most of the dry weekend, especially for outdoor projects and seasonal yard work. Gardeners should also take note—while no frost is expected yet, a potential cold snap could arrive late next week if winds turn more northerly.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
Fri: 65/53 – Spotty showers early; partly sunny, mild afternoon.
Sat: 65/54 – Mostly sunny; great for outdoor events.
Sun: 68/57 – Bright and warm; light winds.
Mon (Columbus Day): 71/58 – Sunny, near-perfect fall day.
Tue: 68/52 – Mostly sunny; cooler breeze, hint of a midweek cooldown.
