Wind warning goes into effect – NBC Chicago

Days after issuing a red flag warning for the Chicago area, the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for Thursday, with gusts near 50 mph in some parts.

According to the NWS, a wind advisory will go into effect at 10 a.m. for much of the Chicago area, including Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Central Cook, Kendall and Northern Will counties in Illinois and Kenosha County in Wisconsin.

The advisory will last until 10 p.m., the NWS said.

A “brief period” of strong wind gusts blew across the region overnight, with speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour in some areas, the NWS said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Gusts rose above 51 degrees in several Chicago-area suburbs, including Rolling Meadows, Park Forest, Waukegan and Hanover Park, the post said.

“More strong winds are expected today,” the NWS warned.

While winds were lighter Thursday morning, westerly winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected in the afternoon, the NWS said, with gusts around 50 mph along the Wisconsin state line and in the northern Chicago suburbs.

“Secure loose items (e.g., Halloween decorations) and use caution when driving on north-south facing roads,” the NWS warned, noting that “some power outages” could occur.

The wind comes just as Halloween trick-or-treating begins in the Chicago area.

“It's going to be a windy trick-or-treating night for us,” said NBC 5 meteorologist Kevin Jeanes.

The Halloween afternoon and evening will also be cool, Jeanes said, with temperatures expected to drop to the mid to low 50s by 4 p.m

“It will feel much colder than it has in recent days, so be sure to dress warmly,” the NWS said.

Still, despite the cool weather, Halloween in 2024 will be the “warmest Halloween” the Chicago area has experienced in more than 30 years, Jeanes said.

Rain on Halloween morning

Thursday began with temperatures in the high 60s and wet conditions, Jeanes said, with steady showers expected between 6 and 8 a.m

Heavier rain is expected south of the Kankakee River Valley, Jeanes said.

A final burst of rain is expected between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Jeanes said, as a cold front moves through.

“Maybe a rumble of thunder back then,” said Jeanes.

Friday was expected to be a brighter day with lighter winds and highs in the mid-50s, Jeanes said.

Jeanes added that temperatures will rise back into the 60s by the weekend, with a number of rainy days starting Sunday.