Early October was not only very warm, it was also wet. Temperatures in the 70s and 80s helped fuel thunderstorms on several occasions. The city’s official rainfall totaled 4 inches by the 10th, representing 127% of the normal rainfall an entire October. Over the ensuing 19 days, the area has been frequented by cold, dry air masses and precipitation has been scant, totaling just over a third of an inch. That trend is about to change. Increasing southwest winds will sweep mild air across the region Tuesday, sending temperatures above 60 degrees across most of the metro area for the first time in 8 days. By late in the day, an approaching cold front is forecast to bring widespread showers and perhaps a few rumbles of thunder. Forecasts suggest that 1/2 to 1 inch of rain will fall by Wednesday morning, with the larger totals expected from the city, south. An influx of drier air will push rain out of the area by afternoon.
Next weather system to turn Tuesday mild, wet

-
Wintry temperatures to return on gusty winds
-
Rainy, seasonably mild Thursday
-
Wintry air to return after springlike Monday
-
Region to remain in mild air over the weekend
-
Canceled flights, delayed trains and icy roads as winter storm moves east
-
-
Midweek warming due to follow frigid Tuesday
-
High pressure brings a lull in precipitation
-
Winter Weather Advisory continues in effect for light, blowing snow until later tonight
-
Mild air hits with wind and rain Thursday
-
Winter Weather Advisory issued for Monday; snow, rain could cause icy road conditions
-
-
Colder, drier air follows latest winter storm
-
Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain mixed at times with sleet and snow, spreading over most of the Chicago area Tuesday
-
Dismal December open to turn sunny by weekend