Friday, April 17, 2026, started with Chicago wrapped in a thick blanket of fog, with pockets of dense fog cutting visibility and slowing the morning commute across low-lying neighborhoods. Temperatures are in the upper 40s, and a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through 10 a.m. CDT, so drivers should stick with low-beam headlights and budget extra travel time.
Afternoon Warmth And Gusty Winds
Once the fog lifts, skies will brighten and highs are expected to jump into the upper 70s. South-southeast winds will increase to around 5 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph and a chance for a few stronger gusts late this afternoon. Tie down or bring in loose outdoor furniture and be ready for sudden crosswinds on bridges and ramps, according to NWS Chicago.
Severe Storms Expected This Evening
This evening, a strong cold front will sweep east across northern Illinois, dragging in a line of showers and thunderstorms that could arrive as early as the evening and linger into the night. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of northern and central Illinois under an Enhanced Risk, with damaging winds the main concern. Pockets of heavy rain are also likely, with around 0.75 to 1 inch common and locally higher totals that could trigger localized flooding.
Commute And Event Tips
Plan for a slow-go morning in areas where the fog hangs on, and keep an eye out for possible flight restrictions at ORD and MDW early in the day. Later on, the stronger storms may knock down tree branches and cause brief power outages in the hardest-hit spots. If you have outdoor plans tonight, move them indoors or have a backup ready, and never try to drive through standing water, no matter how shallow it looks.
Weekend Cooldown And Frost Risk
Once the front passes, the weekend flips the script. Saturday highs will struggle near 51°F and Sunday should top out near 50°F, with overnight lows dropping into the 30s. Some inland locations could dip to freezing Sunday night into Monday morning. Gardeners should cover tender plants and prep for a much chillier stretch after today’s near-80 warmth.
