Chicago and its surrounding areas are preparing for another round of widespread frost and freezing temperatures tonight, particularly in regions away from the city and Lake Michigan. Forecast lows will dip into the lower 30s, prompting concerns for sensitive plants and marking a potential end to the growing season for much of the region. Areas closer to the lakeshore, including Chicago, are expected to see slightly higher temperatures, hovering around the upper 30s to near 40 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service, frost advisories are in place through Thursday morning, urging residents to take precautions to protect outdoor plants from the cold. The advisory highlights that sub-freezing conditions could damage unprotected vegetation, particularly in outlying areas such as Rockford, DeKalb, and Kankakee, where temperatures are expected to fall as low as 31°F.
This cold snap is expected to clear after Thursday morning, with a gradual warming trend taking hold. By the weekend, temperatures will climb into the 60s and 70s, bringing a return to milder fall weather under mostly sunny skies. Highs are forecasted to reach the mid-60s by Friday, with weekend highs peaking in the low 70s.
Lake effect showers are possible in northwest Indiana this morning, but the rest of the week remains dry. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts and cover any sensitive plants overnight to avoid frost damage.
