Lucy Robinson
Chicago’s pleasant temperatures might be coming to an abrupt end this weekend, with a noticeable shift towards cooler fall weather. After enjoying unseasonably warm conditions for much of September, residents are bracing for a drop that could bring sweater weather right on cue.
Weekend Weather Forecast
As Chicagoans head into the weekend, they can expect cloudy skies and cool temperatures. Overnight, lows will fall into the 50s, setting the stage for a blustery Sunday. By the afternoon, wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph, adding a chill to the air even as high temperatures hover around the mid-60s.
Ricky Castro, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, suggests that the weather shift is a response to a significant blocking pattern that has prevented cooler air from moving into the region. This pattern will begin to break down with a system moving in from Canada, marking a turning point in the weather.
Impacts on the Chicago Marathon
The forecast comes at an interesting time, as it coincides with the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. While the weather has been warm and dry recently, the incoming chill is expected to improve conditions for runners. Temperatures are predicted to drop into the lower 60s during the marathon, which many believe will be more suitable for long-distance running.
According to Castro, this sudden change from the warmth many have enjoyed may feel quite significant. “Fall will come back in a roar,” he stated. “The turn back to normal temperatures will feel like quite the shift.”
A Look Ahead
Post-marathon, Monday and Tuesday are expected to show a continued coolness. Temperatures will remain below average this fall, lingering in the 50s and low 60s. However, the good news is that by the latter part of the week, warmer weather is projected, with conditions returning to more seasonable levels around 72 degrees by next weekend.
Rainfall Recovery
In addition to the drop in temperatures, weather experts are also noting the lack of rain the city has experienced. For September, Chicago received less than half of its normal rainfall, and just a trace has fallen so far in October. Scott Collis, an atmospheric scientist at the Argonne National Laboratory, highlighted the need for rain, stating, “We need the rain.”
The end of the weather patterns that have dominated this summer could provide some much-needed moisture, though it remains to be seen how much rain the city will receive in the coming days.
Historical Context
It’s important to note that after this weekend’s anticipated cooling, the latest recorded day above 80 degrees in Chicago history was November 1, 1950. Castro warned that the warmer days enjoyed recently will give way to typical fall weather, characterized by less daylight and frequent dips in temperature.
Final Thoughts
As colder weather approaches, it’s a reminder that Chicago’s seasonal shifts can be abrupt. Residents should prepare for the transition, bringing out their sweaters and jackets in anticipation of the chill. With the marathon on the horizon and a week’s forecast pointing towards a significant temperature drop, it seems the warm, dry days of summer have finally come to an end.
Chicagoans should embrace the arrival of sweater weather, as it signifies not only a change in temperature but also the onset of delightful fall activities in the city, from pumpkin patches to cozy evenings enjoying the crisp autumn air
