Chicago is set for a frosty start to the weekend before a run of sunshine and temperatures in the low 20s Celsius returns next week.
Friday’s raw, windy conditions are expected to ease overnight as showers clear and winds fall to below 5mph. Temperatures will then drop into the 30s Fahrenheit, with frost likely across much of the area on Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued freeze warnings for parts of northern Illinois, including McHenry, DeKalb and Kane counties, while frost advisories cover several surrounding areas. The warnings are in force during the early hours of Saturday, October 17. ([fox32chicago.com](https://www.fox32chicago.com/weather-alerts))
Forecasters said the coldest air of the season so far is expected before dawn, with some inland locations close to or just below freezing. The National Weather Service said frost and freeze conditions were most likely near and north of Interstate 80. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/lot/briefing_forecast?utm_source=openai))
Chicago weather forecast
Despite the chilly start, Saturday afternoon should be bright, with clear skies and highs of about 13C (mid-50s Fahrenheit). Winds are expected to remain light, helping the temperature recover through the day.
Another frosty morning is possible on Sunday, particularly away from the city, but sunshine should return later with temperatures reaching around 17C (low to mid-60s Fahrenheit). The National Weather Service said a further risk of frost could develop overnight into Sunday morning. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/lot/briefing_forecast?utm_source=openai))
Friday’s strong northerly winds have also created hazardous conditions on Lake Michigan. The weather service warned of gale-force winds on the lake and gusts of up to 45mph along the Indiana shoreline, with small-craft hazards continuing into Saturday. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/lot/briefing_forecast?utm_source=openai))
The brief cold spell is expected to give way to a much milder pattern. Temperatures should return to the high teens on Sunday and Monday before reaching about 21C to 23C (low 70s Fahrenheit) from Tuesday through Friday, with largely sunny skies and little prospect of rain. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?map_x=184&map_y=109&site=lot&x=184&y=109&utm_source=openai))
