Chicago, IL – After weeks of sweltering heat, residents across the Great Lakes region may soon feel the first hints of fall. Forecast models are showing a medium chance of below-normal temperatures for late August.
According to the National Weather Service, the 6-to-10-day temperature outlook, valid from August 24 through August 28, indicates a 40% probability that the Great Lakes will trend cooler than average. This shift comes after what meteorologists described as an “extremely hot” stretch across much of the Midwest.
The agency explained that “below normal” for late August would translate into heat indices reaching only the mid- to upper-80s, rather than the triple-digit extremes many areas have endured recently. The cooler air mass is expected to begin settling in over the weekend, with the core of the below-normal zone centered over Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
While the prospect of relief from the heat is welcome, forecasters cautioned that current conditions remain hot and that residents should continue practicing heat safety until the cooler pattern takes hold. Temperatures will not drop significantly until early next week, when a large dip in the jet stream ushers in a more fall-like feel across the region.
The outlook also shows contrasting patterns nationwide, with parts of the Pacific Northwest and Florida expected to see above-normal temperatures during the same period.
Meteorologists note that these late August cooldowns often serve as early indicators of seasonal change, as cooler nights and milder days gradually become more frequent heading into September.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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