ILLINOIS — The rest of October is expected to end on a warm note across Illinois, with no frost or freeze in the forecast. A new outlook valid from October 22 through October 31 shows no frost risk anywhere in the state. It has been so warm that some plants are blooming again, including reports of lilac bushes flowering. Heading into November, there are no signs of sustained cold weather either.
No Frost Risk Across the State
The frost and freeze outlook covers all of Illinois, from Galena, Rockford, and Chicago in the north to Carbondale and Paducah in the far south. None of the frost or freeze categories are shown anywhere on the map through the end of the month. That means gardens and outdoor plants should be safe for now.
Nearby areas are also included in the warm outlook. That includes the Quad Cities, Iowa City, St. Louis, and Evansville. Communities in northwest Indiana near South Bend also look frost-free.
Northern Illinois Stays Mild
Northern Illinois often sees its first frost by mid to late October. This year, places like Rockford, DeKalb, Sterling, and LaSalle are expected to stay above freezing. The Chicago metro, including Joliet and Kankakee, also looks frost-free through October 31.
Mild nights and warm afternoons are keeping temperatures above normal. Clear, calm nights can still turn cool, but readings are not expected to fall low enough for frost. That is unusual for this time of year.
Central and Southern Illinois Also Warm
Central Illinois, including Peoria, Galesburg, Macomb, and Bloomington-Normal, is also expected to avoid frost. Effingham, Vandalia, and Olney are in the same warm pattern. Areas near Springfield and Taylorville should stay mild as well…