Cold front hits Chicago, dropping temps to mid-40s for Bears game

Residents can expect a sharp drop in temperature after several weeks of unseasonable heat. A cooling system is moving into the Chicago area, bringing breezy conditions and rain before temperatures fall below seasonal averages later this week.

Overnight into Wednesday, scattered showers developed west of the city, with occasional thunder reported to the south and west. A blocking weather pattern slowed the system's movement, causing drizzle and light showers to persist throughout the day. More widespread precipitation arrived Tuesday evening as the storm moved closer to the city.

Wednesday highs will reach approximately 65 degrees. Temperatures will remain in the 60s until roughly 5 or 6 a.m. when cooler air begins to enter the region. Meteorologist Miller said the area will enter the drier center of the storm system as the air cools.

Temperatures will drop into the 50s and hold there through Thursday. A few showers are expected to pass through on that day before colder air moves over Lake Michigan on Friday. Lake-effect rain showers are possible, primarily affecting northwest Indiana with less impact on the Illinois shoreline.

Saturday is forecast to bring sunshine. Rain that was previously possible for Sunday is no longer expected. The chill will be felt at Soldier Field, where temperatures are projected to reach the mid-40s at 7:20 p.m. for the start of the Bears game.