Chicago Weather Forecast
Showers and storms Wednesday afternoon and evening will bring the start of a cold front that will have temperatures in the Chicago area “feeling like October” — and it’s not even fall yet.
Widespread showers and storms are expected across much of the region Wednesday afternoon and possibly into the evening, just as a cold front moves into the area.
Cold Front and Temperature Drop
The cold front will bring with it “unseasonably cool” temperatures that could last through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
The NBC 5 Storm Team said Thursday temps will begin “feeling more like October” as highs drop into the mid-60s.
Skies could turn cloudy with a chance for more scattered storms Thursday evening, as lows dip into the 40s and 50s overnight.
Weekend Weather Forecast
The cooler conditions won’t be going anywhere right away as temperature highs look to stay in the mid- to upper-60s through the weekend. Conditions appear to stay dry for the remainder of the week, however.
Friday will also see high swim risk conditions for Lake Michigan beaches, the NWS reported.
Weather Updates from NWS Chicago
Widespread showers and a few storms are expected today as a cold front moves through the area. Some locations could see an additional round of showers Thursday night. Unseasonably cool temperatures will arrive behind today’s cold front and persist through the weekend. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/92HKjg1BYO
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) September 3, 2025
Understanding the Temperature Drop
While the temperatures may feel like fall, the first day of fall won’t officially arrive just yet. The fall equinox doesn’t happen until Sept. 22.
Still, this drop in temperatures isn’t entirely unusual. What is unusual is this long of a stretch of cool weather at this point in the year.
NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes looked at historical temperature data for Chicago and determined the average first day with highs in the 60s is Sept. 2. The average first stretch of days in the 60s, however, usually doesn’t take place until Oct. 1.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area is expected to experience a significant drop in temperatures, with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 40s and 50s. This cold front will bring unseasonably cool temperatures that could last through the weekend. While this drop in temperatures may feel like fall, it’s not entirely unusual, but the long stretch of cool weather at this point in the year is.
FAQs
Q: What is the weather forecast for Wednesday afternoon and evening?
A: Showers and storms are expected across much of the region, with a cold front moving into the area.
Q: How long will the cool temperatures last?
A: The cool temperatures are expected to last through the weekend, with highs in the mid- to upper-60s.
Q: Will it be dry for the remainder of the week?
A: Yes, conditions appear to stay dry for the remainder of the week, except for a chance of scattered storms on Thursday evening.
Q: What is the average first day with highs in the 60s in Chicago?
A: The average first day with highs in the 60s is Sept. 2, according to historical temperature data.
Q: When does the fall equinox occur?
A: The fall equinox occurs on Sept. 22.
