Chicagoans Prepare for Potentially Frigid Halloween
While Chicago enjoyed record-breaking temperatures of 83 degrees on Tuesday, residents are now bracing themselves for what could be one of the coldest Halloweens on record.
Halloween in Chicago is usually associated with cold weather and occasional snowfall, but it has rarely been as frigid as this year’s forecast predicts. According to the National Weather Service, snow has fallen on only eight Halloweens since record-keeping began.
Although Halloween weather memories often make the holiday seem colder than it actually is, with temperatures only dropping from 75 to 60 degrees, this year’s forecast is expected to be historically cold once again.
Residents may still vividly recall the Halloween of 2019, when the temperature dropped to 33 degrees and the city experienced a record-breaking 3.4 inches of snowfall.
Looking back, out of the 150 years of recorded history, 49 Halloweens have had high temperatures in the 50s, while 38 Halloweens have had high temperatures in the 60s and 35 in the 40s. Additionally, there have been 20 Halloweens in the 70s, but only one Halloween when temperatures exceeded 80 degrees.
The average high temperature for October 31st is 56 degrees, with an average low of 41 degrees.
Now, let’s dive into the Halloween 2023 forecast. A quick-moving low-pressure system is expected to sweep down from Canada, traveling across Minnesota and Wisconsin before affecting northeastern Illinois.
This system will bring freezing temperatures in the 30s, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour. Snow showers are also likely.
As of Sunday, the forecasted high for October 31st is 38 degrees, making it the fifth-coldest Halloween on record.
With the wind, it will feel like the mid-to-upper 20s during trick-or-treating hours. Wind speeds will increase as the low-pressure system moves through the area.
In the morning, the Chicago area may experience a few snow showers, while more scattered snow showers are possible in the afternoon and evening.
Due to temperatures staying above freezing, the snow is expected to be “wet” and will melt upon contact. However, there is a possibility of accumulating snow on grass, cars, and elevated surfaces. This means non-water-resistant Halloween costumes may become wet and add to the discomfort.
This compact low-pressure system will quickly move out of the area in a day, but its timing poses a challenge for Halloween. Ensure you plan accordingly to stay warm and dry while out trick-or-treating.
By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to return to the 50s, giving residents a reprieve from the Halloween chill.
