Chicago residents can expect a few days of scattered showers and potential thunderstorms, based on the latest forecasts. According to the National Weather Service, today will be mostly sunny in Chicago with a high near 82 degrees. However, the tranquility may not last, as there is a "10 percent chance of showers after 5am" tonight. An east wind is also expected to pick up, blowing 5 to 10 mph with gusts that could reach as high as 20 mph.

Cloudiness will be on the increase this afternoon, but it'll be another warm day w/low humidity. Some rain is likely late tonight and Thu A.M, with storms possible Thu evening. Can’t rule out some splash ‘n dash showers Fri and Sat afternoons, but most areas will stay dry. pic.twitter.com/KSM9bNnqnY

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 14, 2024

Thursday's conditions are set to be less predictable, with an 80% chance of precipitation that includes "occasional showers and thunderstorms before 10am," followed by a possible thunderstorm between 10 am and 1 pm, and then a chance of showers and thunderstorms afterward. The south wind around 15 mph, with gusts possibly as high as 25 mph, could swiftly turn cloudy skies into a more menacing overture. A new rainfall amount of between a quarter and half an inch is possible, as reported by the National Weather Service.

The weather risks escalated Thursday evening with the National Weather Service signaling an "Elevated Thunderstorm Risk" and cautioning that severe thunderstorms may be possible. This warning comes via their Hazardous Weather Outlook, which also alludes to "Limited Flooding Risk" during this time. Residents in the highlighted areas, including large swathes of Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana, should stay alert as conditions could become hazardous at short notice. The Outlook expressly states that there is a "threat of severe weather Thursday evening," necessitating close monitoring of the situation. More information on the risks can be found through the NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast suggests a mix of sun and storms. "A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm" is expected Friday, with clear skies otherwise. However, these storms appear to be less intense, as the chance of rain drops on Friday night to 20 percent before 1am. Those planning to engage in outdoor activities should keep an eye to the sky, as the inconsistency of weather patterns could disrupt even the best-laid plans. In a brief overview provided by the National Weather Service on Twitter, it was noted that there could be "some splash ‘n dash showers Fri and Sat afternoons," but they also added, "most areas will stay dry," as stated by the NWS Chicago.