SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT: High Winds to Continue This Afternoon, Evening

High wind gusts will continue this afternoon and early evening and could reach as high as 45 mph in the Chicago area.

A special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service for towns across Chicagoland warned that driving, especially in a high-profile vehicle, may become difficult this afternoon. Weather officials also encouraged area residents to secure outdoor items.

According to the special weather statement:Strong northwest winds expected to persist this afternoon and early evening. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are likely through much of the afternoon with gusts of 35 to 40 mph. However, a fewgusts to around 45 MPH will be possible.Meanwhile, above-normal temperatures were in the forecast for Sunday and expected to reach highs between 41 and 47 degrees for town in the Chicago area. Those temps will drop off overnight, reaching lows in the 20s, according to the National Weather Service.

The above normal temps will stick for the start of the week. Monday should be pleasant with temps between 39 and 44 degrees with light winds and sunny skies. Highs between 42 and 44 degrees are in the forecast for Tuesday before near-normal conditions return mid-week with highs in the low- to mid-30s.

Here is a more detailed look at the forecast for the week for the Chicago area:

• REST OF SUNDAY: Windy, clear. Lows in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph late in the afternoon decreasing to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
• MONDAY: Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
• MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
• TUESDAY: Sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon.
• TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph.
• WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.
• WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.
• THURSDAY: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
• THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
• FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

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