Chicago Braces for Record-Cold Halloween
It seems Mother Nature is playing a trick on the residents of Chicago this Halloween. Despite experiencing a scorching 83-degree day just last week, the Windy City is now preparing for what could be one of the coldest Halloweens on record.
While Chicagoans are accustomed to chilly and possibly snowy Halloweens, this year’s forecast is expected to break historical records. According to the National Weather Service, snowfall on Halloween has been relatively rare in Chicago. Since recordkeeping began, the city has only seen snow on eight Halloweens.
However, the temperature and precipitation patterns that usually change this time of year suggest that Halloween tends to feel colder in our memories, even if temperatures only drop slightly from 75 to 60 degrees.
The haunting memories of last year’s Halloween may also still be fresh in residents’ minds. In 2019, the city endured a bone-chilling 33-degree day with a record-breaking 3.4 inches of snowfall.
Unfortunately, it seems history is repeating itself this year. Weather forecasts indicate that 2023 will usher in another historically cold Halloween. Out of the 150 Halloweens recorded, 49 have had highs in the 50s, while 38 were in the 60s and 35 were in the 40s. Surprisingly, there have been 20 Halloweens in the 70s and only one when the temperature exceeded 80 degrees.
According to the 30-year average, the high temperature for October 31 is usually around 56 degrees, with the low averaging at 41 degrees. However, this year’s temperature predictions paint a starkly different picture.
A fast-moving and compact area of low pressure is expected to descend from Canada and cross Minnesota and Wisconsin before brushing across northeastern Illinois. This weather system will keep temperatures in the 30s and increase wind gusts to about 30 miles per hour. Additionally, there is a chance of snow showers.
As of Sunday, the forecasted high for Halloween stands at a bone-chilling 38 degrees, potentially making it the fifth-coldest Halloween on record. The wind chill is expected to make it feel even colder, in the mid-to-upper 20s during trick-or-treating hours. The wind will grow stronger in the afternoon and evening as the low-pressure system passes through.
Snow showers are also expected throughout the day, with a higher probability in the afternoon and evening. While temperatures will remain above freezing, creating “wet” snow that melts on contact, some accumulation is possible on grass, cars, and elevated surfaces. This means that costumes that aren’t water-resistant could potentially become wet, adding to the discomfort.
Despite the Halloween forecast looking gloomy, there is some solace in knowing that this low-pressure system will quickly move out of the area in a day. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for those planning to go trick-or-treating. Staying dry and warm becomes essential to ensure a spooktacular celebration.
On a brighter note, Chicagoans can look forward to temperatures returning to the 50s by the end of the week, providing some much-needed relief from the cold spell.