Residents and visitors to Chicago should prepare for a range of weather conditions over the next few days, as forecasters predict everything from slight chances of rain to severe thunderstorms and heat. The city will see increasing clouds with a slightly chance of sprinkles later this afternoon, with temperatures peaking around 71 degrees, followed by a warmer Wednesday with highs near 81 under sunny skies, reports the National Weather Service.
By Wednesday night, there's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m., which could precede an unsettled Thursday. Forecasts indicate a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, some possibly strong to severe, primarily south of the I-80 corridor. This could lead to localized flooding issues, according to NWS Chicago.
For those hitting the shores, the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan are expected to remain largely undisturbed today and tonight. Meanwhile, marine activities should be approached with caution come Wednesday night and Thursday, as the NWS predicts a Limited Thunderstorm Risk for the Illinois and Indiana nearshore waters. As early as next week, hot and humid conditions are predicted, with highs soaring near 93 on Sunday and up to 95 by Monday, adding to the potential discomfort levels.
Despite the variety of weather patterns, spotter activations will be not necessary through tonight, which implies a modicum of reprieve from any immediate severe weather concerns. For continual updates and to keep abreast of the developing weather scenarios, citizens are encouraged to follow the NWS Chicago's updates closely, to ensure safety and preparedness in face of the city's capricious skies.
