Chicago, IL – Most of the Chicago metropolitan area will be under a freeze warning overnight, with temperatures expected to plummet outside of downtown, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
What to Expect
As winds die down and a weather system pushes out of the region, clear skies will allow heat to escape from the surface, causing temperatures to drop sharply overnight. Nearly the entire Chicago area is included in the freeze warning for Thursday night into Friday morning, with portions of Cook County under a frost advisory.
Counties under the freeze warning until 8 a.m. Friday include McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee, as well as northern Cook County. Meanwhile, southern Cook County is under a frost advisory. In northwest Indiana, Lake, Jasper, and Newton counties are also under a freeze warning.
Impacts on Agriculture and Property
Forecast models suggest that temperatures could drop into the upper 20s across northern Illinois, posing a risk to crops and sensitive vegetation. Residents are also urged to protect outdoor plumbing, as unprotected pipes could freeze and burst under the frigid conditions.
Authorities warn that frost could appear again on Saturday morning, continuing to affect sensitive plants and outdoor items.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Temperatures are expected to slowly warm as winds shift out of the south, but scattered showers and storms may push through the region Saturday afternoon. Following the system, the forecast calls for partly-to-mostly cloudy skies on Sunday and Monday, with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.
Residents can expect a mostly dry week following the cold snap, with the Halloween forecast currently predicting cloudy yet dry conditions and highs in the mid-50s.
Safety Tips
- Protect sensitive plants with covers or move them indoors
- Wrap or insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing
- Check on vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those without adequate heating
Have you prepared for the overnight freeze? Share your tips for protecting plants, pipes, and pets in the comments below — how do you stay safe during these sudden cold snaps?
