AccuWeather Alert: Storm threat overnight in Chicago area, temperatures to drop significantly
Wind advisory in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, NWS says
CHICAGO (WLS) -- After a few days of unseasonably warm temperatures, Chicago-area residents should expected a massive cold down Thursday as families prepare for Halloween trick-or-treating.
There is also a threat of isolated severe storms in the early hours Thursday for parts of the area.
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The isolated severe storms are expected to hit the Chicago area between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., ABC7 Meteorologist Larry Mowry said. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be brief showers with a low severe threat.
While the showers will move out before it's time for trick-or-treating, a cold front is expected to arrive later in the day. Temperatures will be in the 60s until 1 p.m. before they drop into the 40s after sunset, Mowry said.
FULL FORECAST | Chicago weather: Still windy and unseasonably warm, rain late Wednesday
A wind advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, Mowry said.
People in the Chicago area have been enjoying the warm weather, which has felt like a small resurgence of summer.
From the driving ranges to the bike paths, ABC7 saw people trying to make the most of this unseasonable warmth on Wednesday.
It' was a no hat, no gloves day at Burnham Harbor for Megan Thomas as she enjoyed a bicycle ride along Chicago's lakefront.
"We're coming up on Halloween, and a couple of years ago it was snowing, and I'm riding my bike in shorts, so I can't complain though," Thomas said.
For a second day, fall in the city felt more like a summer day. Tuesday's high of 82 broke a record.
'I can't complain," golfer John Anderson said. "I like it like this, not too hot, cool. I like the weather like this. I can deal with this every day."
The pleasant weather drove plenty of golfers to the Jackson Park Golf Range.
"We're stealing days right in October, November right now," golfer Richard Tulloch said. "We're going to take them all while we can... we're going to watch the leaves and tell stories and enjoy hitting balls."
Despite the balmy temperatures, it's that time again when all boats, except those with late-leaver permits, have to be out of Chicago harbors by October 31.
Tom Houston and his crew have six more boats to dry dock at their 134th and Indiana marine center.
"Usually its a lot colder, but just the winds crazy today, so we can't do much more today," Houston said. "This one was hard enough getting on the trailer."
While most enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather knowing that it can't last, Adam Bilter decided to make the most of it on a friend's boat on the lake as he waits for the reality of fall and then winter to finally arrive.
"I've already got the sweaters and gloves out and ready to go," Bilter said. "I'm ready."
