Chicagoans along the lake woke up Tuesday to a gray, chilly start, with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering around 30°F. A stiff northeast breeze made the shoreline feel even colder, keeping lakefront highs muted while inland neighborhoods start a slow warmup ahead of a much bigger midweek shift. Here is how that plays out for the commute, the lake and any outdoor plans through the end of the week.
Tonight: Quick Lakeshore Wintry Mix
From Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, there is about a 30% chance of a brief, light wintry mix, focused mainly north of I-88 and right along the lake. Most inland neighborhoods should stay dry. Any snow or sleet that does fall looks short lived, with little to no accumulation before changing to rain as temperatures tick up. The National Weather Service in Chicago notes the window for precipitation is narrow and spotty, so check local timing and neighborhood details at NWS Chicago.
Wednesday Warmup And Gusty Southerlies
Midweek is the flip side of the coin. Inland highs on Wednesday are expected to jump into the mid to upper 60s, while spots right on the lake could lag by 15 to 25 degrees. Southerly winds around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts near 30 mph inland, may make it feel blustery even as the thermometer climbs. For background on the pattern that is driving the wind and temperature jump, check our April 6 look at the cold shot of wind and late lakeshore snow.
Marine And Lakeshore Impacts
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan, with Illinois nearshore waters covered through 1 p.m. CDT and Indiana nearshore waters through 4 p.m. Expect choppy water, gusty onshore winds and spray. Boaters and paddle craft users should stay off the water if possible. Shoreline runners and cyclists will notice stronger gusts and occasional spray along the path. Before heading out, secure loose patio furniture and umbrellas, and check lake specific conditions if you still plan to be on the water.
Showers And Thunderstorms Later This Week
Shower chances ramp up Wednesday night and linger at times into Friday as a slow moving frontal zone and several disturbances drift through. A period of heavier rain is possible late Thursday into Friday. Confidence in the exact timing and placement of the front is limited, so it is worth monitoring updates if you have late week outdoor plans. Temperature contrasts could be large from day to day depending on where the boundary stalls.
Quick Tips
Tie down or bring inside loose outdoor items, give yourself extra time on commutes once the winds pick up and keep an umbrella or rain jacket handy for late week plans. If you are planning to head out on the water, follow the Small Craft Advisory and check the National Weather Service Chicago page before launching.
