Chicago rolled into Wednesday under mostly clear skies and temps in the upper 30s near Midway, but the chill is sticking around a bit longer. Expect a cool, breezy day with highs near 41°F and a few spotty rain showers mainly this morning, as northeast winds kick up along the lakefront.
Tonight Into Thursday: Storms And Strong Winds
Things ramp up late Wednesday night into early Thursday, when showers become likely and heavier downpours may sneak into the mix. New rainfall totals of roughly a quarter to a half-inch are possible before daybreak, according to the National Weather Service.
By Thursday, the pattern flips fast. Inland neighborhoods could jump into the upper 60s to near 70°F while south winds increase to 15–25 mph with gusts up to about 40 mph. The National Weather Service highlights an elevated severe risk (level 2 of 5) Thursday afternoon and evening, including damaging winds, the potential for brief tornadoes and localized flooding.
Friday Through Saturday: Wet Pattern Lingers
Another disturbance moves in late Friday into Saturday, keeping the umbrellas busy with more rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Additional pockets of heavy rain could lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas. Saturday’s high is forecast near 62°F before temperatures slip back into the upper 40s on Sunday.
On the water, conditions stay rough through early Friday. Boaters and anyone planning lakefront activities should heed Small Craft Advisories and be ready for choppy conditions.
Commuter Impacts And Safety Tips
Plan on soggy commutes late Wednesday and again during the Thursday evening rush, when heavy downpours and strong gusts could knock down visibility and cause ponding on surface streets.
Secure loose patio furniture and other lightweight items, avoid unnecessary travel along exposed bridges and the lakefront during the gustiest periods, and keep boats tied up or ashore while advisories are posted. Monitor forecasts and watches from the National Weather Service and be ready to shelter quickly if thunderstorms intensify.
This advisory will be updated as conditions evolve, so check local forecasts before heading out. For official watches, warnings and the latest timing, follow the National Weather Service.
