Illinois – Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected across northern Illinois on Tuesday, as a rare late October heatwave could push highs into the low 80s for Chicago and Rockford. This unusual warmth is one of only a few recorded times temperatures have climbed so high so late in the season. Residents are advised to prepare for warmer-than-average conditions by staying hydrated and avoiding heavy outdoor activities during peak heat.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago, if temperatures reach 80 degrees on Tuesday, it will mark only the sixth time Chicago has seen such high temperatures on or after October 29 in over 150 years of record-keeping. Rockford could experience its tenth instance of 80 degrees or higher this late in the year, with records dating back to 1905.
This unexpected warmth follows a weekend of cooler, seasonal weather. Forecasts for Saturday call for sunny skies and a high near 55, with a slight breeze. Sunday will bring similar conditions with highs near 61. By Tuesday, the heat will peak, with highs around 81 in Chicago and nearby areas, significantly above the seasonal averages of 56 for Rockford and 57 for Chicago.
Looking ahead, cooler temperatures are expected to return by Wednesday, with a high near 79 before showers move in Wednesday night, ushering in lower temperatures for Thursday. By Friday, highs are anticipated to fall back to the upper 50s, more typical of late October.
