Spring will give way to freezing temperatures Friday night in the Chicago area, possibly endangering sensitive plants, forecasters say.
The “hard freeze” is expected to last until Saturday morning in some areas, according to a freeze warning issued by the National Weather Service.
Temperatures in Chicago could dip to 33 degrees by Saturday morning, while the collar counties could see temperatures in the high 20s.
Freeze warning tonight region-wide. A hard freeze is likely in the typically colder rural areas of northern IL and NW IN away from the lake. pic.twitter.com/xFzGQZkjTl
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 8, 2020
“While not as strong as last Sunday evening’s lake enhanced cold front, an enhanced lake breeze is or will be quickly pushing inland,” the weather service said on social media.
Gardeners are advised to protect their tender buds by covering them.
Chicago typically sees its last freezing temperatures in mid-April. The record for the latest Spring freeze in Chicago was May 25, 1992, according to the weather service.
A flood advisory is also set along Lake Michigan, which could see waves as high as 11 feet Friday, the weather service said.
Lakeshore Flooding Today: Strong northerly winds will bring high waves and storm surge to areas along the shore of Lake Michigan through this evening. Prepare for wind-driven waves near the lakefront.
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 8, 2020
For the latest info: https://t.co/lchaCa3iCj#ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/9lxFXh6bEv