Unseasonable Weather Hits Chicago
While October is days away, you certainly won’t be able to tell based on the conditions outdoors Saturday, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. Warmth and very sunny skies are expected, so you’ll want to keep the sunscreen handy if you plan to spend much time outside, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kristen Kirchhaine said.
Current Weather Conditions
Temperatures began in the mid-50s to mid-60s across the Chicago area Saturday morning, with clear skies throughout the majority of the region. Residents near the Illinois-Wisconsin state line are poised to encounter some fog, though it is expected to dissipate as the hours pass.
While warm temperatures are on the horizon, if you’re expecting rain anytime soon, unfortunately, you’re out of luck. As it stands, the Chicago area has seen .49 inches of rain so far this month. In comparison, the average monthly rainfall total for this time of year is 2.8 inches.
Lack of Rainfall
The lack of rainfall can be attributed to the influence of high pressure, which has created an extended period of quiet and dry weather across the Midwest, Kirchhaine said. This high pressure system has been dominant in the region, leading to a significant decrease in rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service, “Late September or Late August? Temperatures will remain mild through early next week accompanied by plenty of sunshine. No widespread or meaningful rain is in our forecast through at least the middle of next week. #ILwx #INwx” As a result, residents can expect a continued dry spell, with no significant rainfall expected in the near future.
Forecast for the Week
As we look into next week, there won’t be any meaningful chances of showers either. Monday will still be quiet, and while some clouds may emerge on Tuesday and Wednesday, there will still be no sign of rain. When it comes to temperatures, however, don’t expect the summer-like weather to go away anytime soon.
Readings will sit well above 80 degrees area-wide on Saturday. The latter part of the weekend will be slightly different, with winds coming off Lake Michigan producing cooler temperatures nearby. Temperatures will be in the mid-70s across the city, while readings will dip into the low 70s in parts of northwest Indiana and north suburban Lake County near the lakefront.
Temperature Fluctuations
But for those in inland areas away from the influence of the lake, temperatures will still sit in the 80s. As the workweek rolls around, high temperatures will be reach the mid-80s followed by values in the low-to-mid-80s on Tuesday. Temperatures will dip a bit as October begins, but the month will still begin on a warm note.
Readings are expected in the upper 70s on Wednesday, followed by temperatures in the mid-70s on Thursday. Then, we’ll see another gradual increase on Friday when high temperatures rise to the low 80s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unseasonable weather in Chicago is expected to continue, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine dominating the forecast. While the lack of rainfall may be a concern for some, residents can enjoy the extended summer-like weather, perfect for outdoor activities and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it rain anytime soon?
A: Unfortunately, no significant rainfall is expected in the near future. The high pressure system dominating the region has led to a dry spell, with no meaningful chances of showers expected.
Q: How long will the warm weather last?
A: The warm weather is expected to continue into next week, with temperatures remaining mild and sunny skies dominating the forecast. However, temperatures will dip slightly as October begins, before rising again on Friday.
Q: What is the average monthly rainfall total for this time of year?
A: The average monthly rainfall total for this time of year is 2.8 inches. In comparison, the Chicago area has seen only .49 inches of rain so far this month.
