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Northern Lights shine in Chicago area Thursday night, warm Friday before cool stretch moves in

Northern Lights in Chicago area Thursday night, nearly 20 degrees above normal Friday
Northern Lights in Chicago area Thursday night, nearly 20 degrees above normal Friday 03:48

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.

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The Northern Lights in Richmond, Illinois, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Vicky Freeman
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The Northern Lights in Richmond, Illinois, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.. Vicky Freeman

Joanna Potakis captured some striking images in Park Ridge.

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The Northern Lights in Park Ridge, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Joanna Potakis

CBS Chicago photographer Jeff Langan captured a few more in west suburban Winfield.

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The Northern Lights in Winfield on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Jeff Langan

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.

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CBS

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

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