Current Weather Conditions
The current weather conditions are expected to be cold, with a freeze warning in effect for most of the metro area. The winds will be northwest at 5-10 mph, and the lows will range from the middle 20s to the upper 30s near Lake Michigan. The official low temperature at O’Hare is expected to drop to 32 degrees or lower for the first time since April 8.
The Next Few Hours
Over the next few hours, the weather will become mainly clear, with diminishing winds and cold temperatures. The freeze warning will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Friday, except for central Cook County and areas surrounding downtown Chicago.
Extended Outlook
The extended outlook shows a large swath of below-freezing temperatures expected Friday morning, with all areas shaded in blue waking up to freezing temperatures. The highs will rebound into the 50s Friday afternoon, but will still be nearly 5 degrees below normal.
Freeze Warning
A cold morning is expected Friday, even colder than what was experienced Thursday morning. Widespread frost and below-freezing temperatures will impact most of the metro area. Cover or bring plants indoors to protect them from the cold.
Friday Morning Local Area Lows
Temperatures are likely to dip down into the mid-20s for normally colder inland locations, while the official low temperature at O’Hare is expected to drop to 32 degrees or lower for the first time since April 8.
Frost/Freeze Advisories: Midwest View
At least 15 states are dealing with frost and or freeze advisories as the coldest air of the season arrives for much of the Midwest and Eastern U.S.
Friday Midwest Lows
A large swath of below-freezing temperatures is expected Friday morning, with all areas shaded in blue waking up to freezing temperatures.
Friday Day Planner
Mostly sunny skies will prevail again on Friday.
Friday Surface Map
Why so cold? The center of Canadian high pressure will sit nearly right over us, with clear skies, lighter winds, and exceptionally dry air making for chilly temperatures.
Friday High Temperatures
Highs will again rebound into the 50s Friday afternoon, following the chilly start. These readings will still be nearly 5 degrees below normal, but with much lighter winds than recent days, the chilly temperatures will be far more tolerable.
Weather Maps
Current weather maps show the location of the high and low-pressure systems, as well as the wind patterns and precipitation forecasts.
Climate & Environment
The climate and environment section provides information on the current weather trends and patterns, as well as any potential environmental impacts.
Interactive Radar
The interactive radar allows users to view current weather conditions and forecasts in real-time.
Weather Bug Cameras
The weather bug cameras provide live footage of current weather conditions from various locations.
7-Day Outlook
The 7-day outlook provides a forecast of the weather conditions for the next week.
Weather Center Newsletter
The weather center newsletter provides updates on current weather conditions, forecasts, and any weather-related news.
Current Conditions
Next Few Hours
Extended Outlook
Rainfall chances across the metro area are looking to be fairly light over the next 5 days. Here’s a forecast animation tracking various weather systems across the Midwest.
Forecast Total Rainfall through Next Tuesday
Heaviest rainfall expected to fall well south of Chicago with only fractions of a tenth of an inch locally.
Chicago Forecast Highs and Departure from Normal
No big warm-ups or cooldowns in the near future. Highs are forecast to be close to historic late October norms.
6-10 Day Temperature Outlook
Much in line with temperatures the next 5 days, overall near normal conditions expected across the Midwest and Northeast with cooler than normal across the Southeast. Warmth will dominate across California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Tropical Storm Melissa Update
Melissa is forecast to become a hurricane by sometime Saturday and then strengthen to a major hurricane by early next week with Jamaica in its crosshairs.
Melissa Forecast Animation
An animated model forecast of the moisture and surface wind streamlines for the next 10 days.
