Chicago woke to clear, chilly conditions Thursday morning, with temperatures in the upper 30s near Midway Airport. Scattered rain showers are most likely to develop after about 1 p.m., and the high will top out near 47°F. Expect damp streets and a slower-than-usual late‑afternoon and evening commute as those showers drift through.
Afternoon Showers And Timing
Showers should pop up after 1 p.m. and become scattered through the afternoon and into the evening, with roughly a 40 percent chance of precipitation and most locations seeing under a tenth of an inch. A few heavier cores could produce pockets of graupel or an isolated lightning strike, hazards the National Weather Service highlights in its forecast. Since coverage will be hit-or-miss across the city, outdoor plans may dodge the worst of it, but a compact umbrella is still a smart carry.
Evening Commute And Overnight
Winds will be light, shifting northeast this afternoon and evening around 5 to 10 mph, so this is not a windstorm, but slick pavement is likely where showers fall. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low near 42°F and scattered showers before about 4 a.m.; new rain amounts are expected to be small. If you are out for the evening or driving late, leave a little extra time and watch for short, wet stretches on arterial roads.
Lakefront Chill And Frost Outlook
The lake breeze will keep shoreline neighborhoods a few degrees cooler, generally holding lakeside spots in the upper 40s while inland areas run a touch warmer. Some northwest suburbs toward the Wisconsin line could dip into the mid‑30s overnight, so gardeners with tender plants may want to cover them, and frost tips for gardeners might come in handy. There are no watches or warnings for Chicago proper at this time.
Looking Ahead
The pattern moderates into the weekend: Sunday should warm into the low 60s and Monday into the mid to upper 60s, though periodic chances for showers remain. Forecasters expect a gradual eastward shift of the upper trough that will allow modest warming through early next week. For the latest updates and short‑term changes, check the National Weather Service.
