Chicago residents are bracing for a wet and blustery end to the weekend, with forecasts predicting rain and possible thunderstorms later today. According to the National Weather Service, the city will see scattered showers between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., followed by steady rain after 3 p.m.
Runners in the morning's Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle may find favor in the conditions, with the earliest showers predicted to hold off until 10 a.m. or slightly before. Participants in the first wave at 8:30 a.m. and the second at 9 a.m. will likely have dry weather to kick off their run, as reported by CBS Chicago.
The afternoon, however, could challenge residents with a high near 47 and robust, gusty winds out of the southsoutheast. Wind gusts might reach as high as 35 mph. The likelihood of precipitation is pegged at 100%, with the potential for rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.
As evening approaches, showers are likely to persist before 7 p.m. A transition to partly cloudy skies comes with a significant wind shift to the west, bringing with it more power and bluster, with predicted gusts peaking at 50 mph, making for a significantly windy night and a chilly low around 32, "with gusts up to 50 mph expected," warns the National Weather Service.
Looking ahead to Monday, Chicago is poised for a slight reprieve with partly sunny skies and high temperatures near 48 degrees. Yet, the wind is expected to stand firm, blowing from the west at speeds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts continuing to reach a formidable 40 mph, by the National Weather Service's account. The rest of the week promises a gradual warming trend, with highs approaching 68 degrees by Saturday.
