Chicago, IL – After scattered showers fade this evening, residents across northern Illinois should prepare for a sharp cooldown as frost and even freezing temperatures move in later this week, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.
Forecasters say Wednesday will bring another cool and windy day, with highs in the lower 50s and gusty northwest winds. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the upper 30s to low 40s, setting up ideal conditions for frost to form by early Thursday—especially outside of the Chicago metro area and across northern and western suburbs.
By Thursday night, temperatures could drop even further, with freezing conditions possible across outlying areas and rural communities. The NWS notes that widespread frost is likely outside of Cook County, while lows could dip into the upper 20s and lower 30s in parts of northern Illinois.
The agency advises residents to protect sensitive plants and take precautions for pets and outdoor plumbing as colder air settles in through Friday morning. Sunshine is expected to return later in the week, but highs will stay seasonably cool—mostly in the 50s through Saturday.
