Chicagoans will expect a wet and breezy weekend. According to the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, rain showers are highly likely today with a chance for a continuance of showers into the night. A bulletin this morning forecasted "rain likely before 1 pm, then showers likely, mainly between 1 pm and 2 pm," with a breezy northeast wind sweeping through at 15 to 20 mph and gusts possibly reaching up to 30 mph. They reported a 70 percent chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts varying between a quarter and half of an inch.
The outlook doesn't immediately brighten as tonight presents a 30 percent chance of showers mainly before 1 am, adhering to a general cloudy disposition with lows around 66. The wind is set to consistently blow from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Sunday should offer some reprieve with only a 20 percent chance of morning showers, giving way to mostly cloudy skies and a mild high near 72. But it won't be the end of windy conditions; gusts could reach up to 25 mph again National Weather Service.
As reported by NWS Chicago, an "axis of showers centered around the I-55 corridor will continue into this afternoon." While showers will diminish through Sunday, residents eagerly look forward to dry conditions as the upcoming week progresses.
An axis of showers centered around the I-55 corridor will continue into this afternoon. Shower chances will then diminish through Sunday ahead of dry conditions for much of next week. pic.twitter.com/VYHAXwty4n
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) September 28, 2024
However, beachgoers and mariners should heed a special warning: the Hazardous Weather Outlook issued warnings of a "High Swim Risk Lake Michigan Beaches" for both today and Sunday, with hazardous conditions for small craft today and likely into Sunday and Tuesday. The terse alert pointed out "Dangerous conditions continue along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline due to large waves," which aren't expected to abate until after Monday morning National Weather Service. Caution is highly recommended for those wishing to get close to the water, or to even brave the open waters themselves.
