Chicago woke up mostly cloudy and chilly on Sunday, with about 43°F registered at Midway (KMDW) as of 5:35 a.m. CT on March 29, 2026. Those gray skies are expected to clear out, letting in plenty of sunshine and sending afternoon highs to around 63°F. South-southwest winds will ramp up to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching around 25 mph.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By this afternoon, steady SSW winds near 10 to 15 mph should be in play, with gusts around 25 mph and the potential for localized bursts near 30 mph if mixing improves. The breeze will be most noticeable along the lakefront, on bridges and other exposed spots, so it is a good time to secure lightweight patio furniture and take extra care if you are driving a high-profile vehicle. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Chicago say the combination of gusty winds and dry fuels will lead to an elevated fire risk today.
Late Monday Night Into Tuesday: Storms Possible
A warm front is expected to lift through on Monday, helping push highs into the mid to upper 70s before a cold front moves in on Tuesday. Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Tuesday, and forecasters note that a few storms could become strong to severe, with damaging winds and hail as the primary concerns. The Storm Prediction Center and local forecasts place parts of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana under a marginal risk for severe storms Tuesday into Tuesday night.
What To Expect For Your Commute
Today, gusty winds may make the afternoon drive feel extra blustery, especially on elevated roadways and along the lakefront, and boaters can expect choppy conditions on Lake Michigan. On Tuesday, storms could complicate the evening commute with heavy rain and strong gusts, so plan for potential delays and keep an eye on agency alerts. It would be smart to keep umbrellas handy and be ready to shift outdoor plans indoors for Tuesday evening and night.
Dry, Breezy Conditions Raise Fire Concern
Forecasters are flagging a heightened fire-weather concern for Sunday, with relative humidity dropping into the mid-20s to 30s and fuels drier than usual, although no Red Flag Warning or special statement was issued. If you are burning yard debris or firing up the grill, take extra precautions and avoid open flames when winds are gusty. Local officials typically advise securing loose items and reporting any suspicious smoke to 311 or the Chicago Fire Department if you see signs of a fire.
