After four cloudy and chilly days with highs in the 50s, the mercury finally broke 60 degrees in the city Sunday, while readings in the south suburbs surged into the lower 70s. Although this week's highs will fall far short of the unseasonable 80-degree-plus warmth featured in October's opening days, a preponderance of southerly winds should keep this week's maximums in the 60s and 70s, with most days at levels substantially above the typical mid-October highs in the lower 60s.
The week should also feature much-needed rainfall. Due to lackluster precipitation since late August, Chicago area soils are drying out, and moisture replenishment would be welcome before cold weather sets in. With frequent weather systems slated to pass through the region this week, the potential for significant rainfall is greater than it has been for quite a while. Sunday's rain was heaviest across north portions of the metro area. Heavier totals included 0.39" at Waukegan and Vernon Hills.
--By Steve Kahn, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
