CHICAGO, Ill. – Flags ripple along Lake Michigan this morning as brisk east winds carry the chill of the lake inland. Clouds cling to the shoreline, but sunshine will return later, setting up a mild and mostly dry stretch through Halloween.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, gusts may reach 30 mph through midday before easing late in the afternoon. Highs today will rise to the mid-50s — seasonably cool but pleasant for late October. Those commuting along I-55 and Lake Shore Drive should anticipate crosswinds, especially near open stretches and overpasses.
The pattern stays quiet heading into Halloween weekend. Thursday will bring lighter breezes, filtered sunshine, and highs near 54°F. By Friday, skies clear further with a gentle northwest wind, making for one of the most comfortable trick-or-treat evenings in recent memory. Temperatures will hover near 52°F at sunset and drop into the mid-40s by mid-evening — a crisp, jacket-weather night for families across Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties.
Saturday looks partly sunny and cooler, with highs near 52°F and just a slight chance of an isolated shower later in the day. Sunday will turn brighter again with mild highs in the mid-50s — a fine setup for late-yard cleanup or post-Halloween events.
Clocks fall back early Sunday at 2 a.m., marking shorter days and the steady slide into November’s chill. To be fair, winter isn’t here yet — but it’s waiting just beyond the lake breeze.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
Wed: 55/48 – Sunny and breezy; gusts up to 30 mph.
Thu: 54/44 – Mostly sunny; calm and mild.
Fri: 54/42 – Clear and cool; great trick-or-treat weather.
Sat: 52/41 – Partly sunny; slight chance of a shower.
Sun: 54/40 – Mostly sunny; clocks fall back early morning.
