Chicago is preparing for an unusual and chilly end to the summer season as the unofficial last weekend of summer arrives. While Labor Day is typically associated with warm afternoons, backyard gatherings, and the final trips to Lake Michigan before fall begins, this year’s forecast has taken on a decidedly cooler tone. Meteorologists predict that Chicago could experience its coldest August day in nearly a decade, with temperatures struggling to climb out of the 60s along the lakefront and only reaching the 70-degree mark in a few inland suburbs. This rare late-summer chill sets the stage for a weekend that will feel much more like the beginning of autumn than the end of summer.
Friday marks the start of the shift, with a cool northeast breeze around 10 miles per hour reinforcing the lower temperatures. Areas closer to Lake Michigan are expected to hold steady in the 60s for the afternoon, while some suburbs may manage to briefly touch the 70-degree mark. As evening falls, the cool air will deepen, bringing temperatures down to the lower 60s near sunset. Chicago has only seen one August day with a high below 70 degrees in the past decade, recorded on August 4, 2017, when the mercury reached just 68 degrees at O’Hare International Airport. The possibility of repeating or even dipping below that benchmark this year makes Friday’s forecast particularly noteworthy for weather watchers.
Saturday will bring some relief from Friday’s unusual chill, but the day will remain comfortably cool by seasonal standards. Morning temperatures will begin in the 50s before climbing to the low and middle 70s in the afternoon, with slightly warmer conditions both near the lake and inland compared to the day before. Winds are expected to be very light, with gusts staying under 10 miles per hour, making for a calm and bright day across the city and surrounding areas.
On Sunday, the warm-up continues gradually as temperatures rise into the mid to upper 70s under mostly sunny skies. Despite the increase in daytime highs, the air will remain pleasant, with low humidity and clear conditions helping Chicagoans enjoy outdoor plans without the discomfort of summer heat or stormy weather. The city’s lakefront and parks are likely to be popular destinations, even with the reminder of dangerous swimming conditions along Lake Michigan beaches that persist into the early part of the weekend.
Labor Day itself is forecast to deliver what many would consider perfect late-summer weather. Temperatures are expected to return closer to seasonal averages, topping out near 80 degrees in the afternoon. An east breeze will pick up slightly, gusting between 10 and 15 miles per hour, but overall conditions will remain bright and calm. With no rain in the forecast across the Great Lakes region, travel for the holiday should be smooth, making the day one of the most favorable for those heading out on road trips or returning from summer vacations.
The bigger story this weekend remains the rare chill expected Friday. Chicago’s weather records highlight just how unusual it is to see high temperatures in the 60s during August, a month typically defined by lingering summer heat. For those who look forward to autumn’s arrival, the preview may be welcome, with crisp mornings and cool breezes hinting at the coming season. For others hoping for one last burst of summer warmth before the holiday weekend, the forecast may feel like a premature shift into fall.
Overall, Labor Day weekend 2025 in Chicago will be remembered for its mix of cooler-than-usual temperatures, crisp fall-like evenings, bright skies, and overall ideal conditions for outdoor gatherings. While the chill on Friday may stand out as a record-setting event, the gradual warm-up through Monday ensures that the holiday will close on a much milder and more seasonable note. For residents and visitors alike, it will be a chance to savor the end of summer in the city while also getting an early taste of autumn along the lakefront.
