Wheaton, IL Homeowners Can Expect a Cooler, Drier Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a sweater-worthy autumn across Illinois.

For Wheaton residents, that means cooler-than-normal temperatures and less rainfall in fall 2025 — a notable shift from the warmer patterns playing out across the western U.S..

At the same time, Wheaton is generating heat in the housing market. The city’s ZIP code 60189 ranked No. 12 on the Realtor.com list of the Top 50 Hottest ZIP Codes of 2025, highlighting how this DuPage County suburb is drawing serious buyer attention.

Illinois forecast: crisp air and dry skies

Illinois is on the “cool and dry” list in the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Fall Forecast 2025 State Breakdown. For the Upper Midwest region, which includes Wheaton, conditions will lean brisk:

• September: Average temp 57°F (2° below normal) with 3.5” rain — slightly wetter than average. Expect drizzly stretches, a chance of early snow to the north, and just a few warm-ups late in the month.
  
• October: Average temp 45°F (2° below normal) with 1.5” rain — about 1” below average. Chilly rain, some snow, and only occasional sunny breaks.
  

That forecast lines up with a broader national pattern: while many states in the South and West brace for above-average warmth, Illinois homeowners should prepare for a more traditional autumn.

Wheaton real estate market shows strong buyer demand

Even as temperatures dip, Wheaton’s housing market is heating up. Homes in ZIP 60189 sold in just 22 days on average, nearly 40 days faster than the U.S. norm. Listings drew 2.8× more views per property than typical homes across the country.

The median listing price in Wheaton was $538,000, well above the U.S. median of $441,000 . That price point places Wheaton in a very different affordability tier than nearby Rockford, where ZIP 61108 landed No. 11 on the same list with a $188,000 median.

Together, the two Illinois cities show the range of demand drivers in the Midwest. Wheaton attracts buyers willing to pay a premium for suburban lifestyle and proximity to Chicago’s job market, while Rockford offers an affordability play that’s hard to ignore.

September projects for a smooth season ahead

With Wheaton’s cooler, drier fall ahead, September is the time to check off maintenance tasks that help homes run smoothly before the cold really sets in. Experts recommend a few priorities:

• Check walkways for cracks: Ryan Williams of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric suggests fixing them before ice and snow create hazards.
  
• Clean siding: Chris Granger of Sears Home Services says September is ideal for power washing away mildew and spotting repairs.
  
• Sweep the chimney: “Built-up soot can increase your risk of a chimney fire,” warns Lindsey Pasieka of ConsumerSafety.org.
  
• Service yard equipment. Author Lisa Turner notes fall is the best time to tune up mowers and other machines before winter storage.
  

For more seasonal tips, the Realtor.com September home maintenance guide breaks down what to tackle now — from sealing windows to changing HVAC filters.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.