Northern Lights shine in Chicago area Thursday night, warm Friday before cool stretch moves in
CHICAGO (CBS) — A geomagnetic storm Thursday night had the northern lights shining brightly throughout large parts of the U.S.—including the Chicago area.
With skies clear, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, brought striking patterns of red and green to the skies—much to the joy of stargazers.
CBS News Chicago technician Vicky Blount sent photos from Richmond, Illinois, near the Wisconsin state line.
Joanna Potakis captured some striking images in Park Ridge.
CBS Chicago photographer Jeff Langan captured a few more in west suburban Winfield.
PHOTOS: Northern Lights in the Chicago area
Near-record highs on Friday
On Friday, warm southwest winds will boost highs into the 80s on Friday – only a few degrees shy of Oct. 11 record highs in the Chicago area. A pair of cold fronts drop temperatures this weekend into early next week.
Behind the first cool front Saturday, there will be a large range in temperatures from near 80 degrees in Kankakee to the mid-60s on the north shore. A few showers and thunderstorms will be possible.
The second push of cool air arrives Sunday mainly dry, but with strong north winds for Chicago Marathon runners.
Monday, expect the coolest air since April with highs locked in the 50s, mainly gray skies, and a few periods of light lake-effect rain.
What to expect tonight
Clear and cool, with a low of 53
Mostly sunny on Friday
Very warm, with a high of 83
A few showers and storms on Saturday
Turning cooler, with a high of 68