The Chicago area is about to get blasted with a rapid drop in temperatures, and some spots could see frost or even a freeze.
Rain will slowly taper off across most of the area on Thursday night, and behind that weather system temperatures are expected to drop quickly, with highs only expected to reach the low-to-mid 50s on Friday, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
Residents in northwest Indiana won’t be out of the woods in terms of rain however, as gusty winds off of Lake Michigan are going to bring the potential of lake-effect rain showers across the northwestern portion of the state throughout the day on Friday.
There could even be some embedded thunderstorms with that rain, which could produce hail. Graupel could also potentially fall because of the cold temperatures aloft, so residents are reminded to pay attention to the forecast before venturing out, especially Friday afternoon.
Late Friday night, temperatures are expected to plummet across the Chicago area, especially in areas away from Lake Michigan. While no part of the NBC 5 viewing area is under a freeze warning, the NBC 5 Storm Team is still warning residents to the west and north of the city that temperatures could drop to around the freezing mark, leading to frost or even a hard freeze.
Residents in those areas are urged to cover plants and to bring sensitive plants inside where possible, as a frost or freeze can be harmful to those plants.
Even closer to the city temperatures will still be a lot colder than they have been, with readings in the mid-to-upper 30s, according to forecast models.
On Saturday temperatures will once again only be in the mid-50s for highs, but things will slowly start to warm up on the back half of the weekend, with readings in the 60s on Sunday.
By the middle of next week highs are expected to get back into the 70s, with sunny conditions expected nearly every day.
Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest weather updates and information, and be sure to download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts sent directly to your phone.
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