Chicago is bracing for a mixed bag of weather starting this afternoon with scattered showers rolling in, potentially escalating to thunderstorms south of I-80, as per the National Weather Service. The sporadic showers are anticipated to hit after 2 pm with the likelihood of precipitation sitting around 30%, ushering in increased cloud cover and highs cresting near a mild 56 degrees.

Tonight, the city will see its chance of rain surge to 90%, with showers expected to taper off before 10 pm. Along with the rain, residents should prepare for a brisk North wind reaching around 15 mph, capable of gusting as high as 25 mph. The NWS forecasts a dip in temperature to approximately 43 degrees under these gusty conditions, with new rainfall accumulation measuring between a quarter and half an inch possible.

Boaters on Lake Michigan should take heed of the limited thunderstorm risk tonight south of Northerly Island, with conditions potentially volatile for small craft on Friday and again next Tuesday, advises the NWS. By Friday, skies clear up, paving the way for sunny weather and a high near 58, though it'll come with a side of breezy West Northwest winds that could blow as much as 30 mph.

Looking ahead, Chicago will experience mostly sunny days with intermittent chances for showers, particularly before the coming Monday night, the NWS predicts. Tuesday could greet locals with more rain and partly sunny skies, high around 61. But as night falls, conditions are projected to turn partly cloudy, dipping to a low around 43. The city should anticipate a mostly sunny Wednesday, though temperatures may not climb much higher than 49 degrees.

The unpredictable shift from showers to sunshine, punctuated by a potential frost or freeze risk over the weekend, could spell trouble for plant life in the area. "Cold and/or frost at night may damage plants," warns the NWS in a post. Gardeners and greenthumbs should plan accordingly to protect their vegetation over the chilly evenings forecasted Friday through Sunday night.