Chicagoans enjoyed a glimmer of sunshine on their Sunday, despite the cloudy onset, with temperatures pushing into the low 60s in the city and potentially hitting the 70s further inland. According to Fox 32, Meteorologist Mark Strehl predicted this very spring-like day, comfortable enough for a walk along the lakeshore, where a light breeze of about 10 miles per hour could offer a refreshing counterbalance to the sun's warmth.
A cold front will bring falling temps, particularly within about 50 miles of the lake this afternoon. Rain chances increase late Monday night into Tuesday, with periods of soaking, locally heavy, rainfall at times. Intermittent showers/drizzle will linger through Wed. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/44fw13ZZMi
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 18, 2025
While showers threatened areas farther south, edging close to St. Louis and southern Illinois, Chicago stayed dry, inviting residents to make the most out of the pleasant weather. The calm, however, is expected to be short-lived as the city braces for a change in conditions, with "a 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm" on Monday, as reported by the National Weather Service. While still appreciable, this one day's reprieve precedes a notable cool down, with temperatures set to dip to the high 50s near the lake, out of character for May's usual generosity.
Showers are likely to resume Monday night, bringing an approximately 60 percent chance of precipitation, as per the National Weather Service. The likelihood of rain escalates by Tuesday, where showers and potential thunderstorms are expected after 4 pm, carrying through to an 80 percent chance of precipitation that night.
Rain remains in the midweek forecast, with a 50% chance of showers in Chicago on Wednesday. Partial sunshine may break through on Thursday, offering a brief reprieve before a mostly sunny Friday, when highs are expected to approach 60 degrees.
