Chicago wakes up Sunday under mostly cloudy skies that will gradually give way to sunshine and an unseasonably mild afternoon, with a high near 61°F. Southwest winds will strengthen through the day, with sustained speeds around 15–20 mph and gusts up to about 35 mph.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds will be strongest this afternoon along the lakefront and on elevated roadways, so count on choppy conditions on Lake Michigan and blustery gusts across exposed bridges. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Illinois and Indiana nearshore waters until 6 p.m. this evening, according to NWS Chicago. Looking ahead, a slow-moving front is expected Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night, bringing a risk of scattered to numerous thunderstorms. Some storms could become severe and produce heavy rainfall that may cause localized flooding. Forecasters are also flagging sharp temperature contrasts across the front, with some locations south of the boundary possibly reaching the upper 70s while areas north stay stuck in the 40s.
What To Expect This Week
Sunday will be mild and mostly sunny by afternoon with a high near 61°F, and Monday looks even warmer with highs around 68°F while breezy conditions continue. The big question mark is the exact timing of Tuesday's front. Storms are most likely after midday and could linger into the evening, potentially snarling the evening commute. For background on the evolving setup, see our March 7 windy soaker slams Chicago update.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Plan for gusty conditions during this afternoon's commute. Secure loose outdoor items, and allow a little extra travel time on bridges and elevated roadways where the crosswinds will be most noticeable. If you have plans on the lake, it is a good day to sit tight. Small boats should stay in port while the advisory remains in effect. Keep an eye on forecasts Tuesday and have a backup plan for evening activities in case thunderstorms move in during your drive home.
Bottom Line
Today brings a mild, breezy setup with a Small Craft Advisory on the lake. The bigger impact window arrives Tuesday, when a strong front could deliver severe storms and heavy, flooding rain. Keep checking updates from local officials and the NWS as the week unfolds.
