Chicago area hits 82 degrees on Tuesday, breaking record set in 1999

The Chicago area hit a record-high 82 degrees Tuesday, breaking the previous record set more than two decades ago.

Tuesday's unseasonably warm weather broke the previously recorded high of 78 degrees set on Oct. 29, 1999, said meteorologist Mark Ratzer of the National Weather Service. The new record was set at 3:59 p.m. at O'Hare Airport.

The warm weather brought along gusty winds, prompting a red-flag warning. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds up to 40 mph and low humidity could cause "critical fire conditions," weather officials said. If a fire were to break out, the weather could cause it to catch and spread quickly. The red-flag warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday.

"Conditions today are exceptionally good for the development and spread of brush fires," said Ratzer. "No one should be out burning leaves today. These fires can spread fast and they burn hotter."

Residents in portions of northeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana are advised to avoid lighting fires and to use "extreme caution" when disposing of smoking materials.

Strong winds will continue through Tuesday night while temperatures drop to the mid- to high-60s.

The warm weather and wind gusts up to 45 mph will continue Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the low 80s, but it's unlikely another record will be broken. The record high for Oct. 30 is 85 degrees, which was set in 1950.

However, the heat won't last as rain showers are forecast to arrive with a cold front Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The rain Thursday was expected to taper off by noon allowing for trick-or-treaters to step out of their homes, though they should prepare to bundle up as the temperatures will drop to the 50s during the evening.