Kevin Jeanes of NBC 5 Storm Team reported that the autumn equinox officially began at 7:05 p.m. on September 22, 2026, marking the start of fall for the Chicago region. The day arrived with partly cloudy skies and temperatures that are about ten degrees below the seasonal average.
Morning readings hovered in the mid‑50s °F, while the high temperature for the day is expected to reach 63 °F. The cooler air follows a pattern typical of the equinox period, when daylight and darkness are nearly equal in length across the Northern Hemisphere.
The equinox, occurring when the sun crosses the celestial equator, signals the transition from summer to autumn. In Chicago, the shift is evident in the lower daytime highs and the increase in cloud cover compared to the preceding weeks. Residents can expect the daytime temperature to stay modest throughout the remainder of the week, with night temperatures likely to dip further as the season progresses.
Weather forecasters note that the ten‑degree departure from normal is consistent with early‑season trends observed in recent years. While the sky will remain partly cloudy, no significant precipitation is forecast for the equinox day itself. The cooler conditions are expected to continue into the coming days, setting the stage for the typical fall weather pattern that includes crisp mornings and milder afternoons.
Chicago’s meteorological services will continue to monitor temperature trends as the city moves deeper into the autumn months, providing updates on any shifts that could affect daily activities or travel plans.