CHICAGO — It's going to be a wet Halloween.
The rain that has been falling all morning will continue into Thursday night with occasional thunderstorms expected, according to the National Weather Service.
The rain should let up a bit after 6 p.m. as the backside of the storm system rolls through Chicago, but determined trick-or-treaters should plan on working rain boots into their costumes.
"At least early this evening, there's still a pretty good chance to have some rain showers around through the trick-or-treat time, through 9 [or] 10 p.m., said Matt Friedlein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The rain should end by midnight, and temperatures are expected to be mild with highs in the 60s.
"Even though temperatures are pretty mild for Halloween, in the 60s, with the winds blowing and rain falling, it can be a little chilly," Friedlein said.
But the forecast has not put a damper on plans for Halloween fun across the city, at least for the time being. All events planned by the Chicago Park District, including haunted houses, parties and "spooky" games, are still on as of late Thursday morning, said Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, a spokeswoman for the park district.
Party planners hosting outdoor activities say they will do their best not to let the weather affect the festivities. The 17th annual Northalsted Halloween Parade will go on as scheduled, said Jay Lyon, who is with the Northalsted Business Alliance.
The parade's theme is "Twisted Circus," and Lyon said participants have adopted P.T. Barnum's attitude.
"From our perspective, the show must go on," he said. "We're going to do the best we can."
Although Lyon said some of the scheduled entertainment, like acts that include fire, may be affected.
Parts of the city should see several inches of rain before the storm ends. A flood advisory was issued last night for central Cook County, which included the city's West Side. Areas of the city saw as much as 4 inches of rain overnight.
Officials are warning drivers to be aware of flooded roadways, especially near viaducts. As a precaution, drivers should not drive on roads covered in water, particularly if the water is flowing, Friedlein said.
