Chicagoans bracing for a wet and windy start this week, with the National Weather Service forecasting showers and possible thunderstorms today. Heavy rain is expected to hit the Windy City, with highs struggling to reach the upper 40s amid breezy conditions gusting up to 30 mph. Travelers and those outdoors will need to don their rain gear, as "new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible," according to the NWS forecast.

The outlook remains damp into the evening, with a 40 percent chance of showers before a cloudy respite sets in, setting the stage for a more inviting Monday. Despite the disruptive weather, conditions for Monday's anticipated eclipse viewing are looking favorable, with skies expected to clear overnight. "Luckily clear up nicely overnight leaving us with favorable conditions for viewing the eclipse on Monday," noted a recent post from NWS Chicago.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook has also been issued for the region, highlighting a "Limited Thunderstorm Risk" for areas south of Interstate 80. The NWS bulletin, which encompasses parts of north central Illinois, northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana warns of minor flooding near larger rivers. Spotter activation, however, "will not be necessary through tonight," as general storm motion is projected to move east at 35 mph. Details on this advisory can be found on the NWS website.

Mariners should also take heed as "Hazardous conditions for small craft" are expected along Illinois and Indiana's nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. The advisory, extending from today through Saturday, cautions against challenging conditions on the waters, and small craft operators may face risks. Wednesday through Saturday, hazardous conditions for small craft "are likely," according to the NWS warning for Lake Michigan's nearshore zones.