Sharp cooldown ahead for Chicago area after weeks of unseasonable warmth

After weeks of unseasonably warm weather, colder air is set to move into the Chicago area, with breezy and cooler conditions expected before temperatures fall below seasonal averages later in the week. As Wednesday approaches, the Chicago area isn t exactly in the clear when it comes to precipitation. Live Doppler 5 showed a couple of showers west of the Chicago area overnight into Wednesday and a few rumbles of thunder to the south and west as a system approaches. Earlier in the day, the system began lifting north and east, but a blocking pattern slowed its progress, bringing occasional drizzle and light showers throughout the day. More widespread activity moved closer to Chicago Tuesday evening, with even a rumble of thunder possible to the south and west. Looking ahead, on Wednesday, expect highs around 65 degrees, with temperatures holding in the 60s through about 5 or 6 a.m. before cooler air moves in. Cooler air will begin moving in as the Chicago area enters the