By 5:35 a.m. CDT Wednesday, May 13, Chicago woke to mostly cloudy skies and a cool start, with temperatures near 51°F at Midway and a north-northwest breeze that makes the lakeshore feel even colder. Inland neighborhoods are on track for highs in the mid to upper 50s, while lakefront spots struggle to climb out of the low 50s this afternoon. Expect a brisk, occasionally biting wind that could send unsecured outdoor furniture scooting across patios and balconies.
Afternoon Gusts And Patchy Early-Morning Chill
North winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, are expected this afternoon, so plan on blustery conditions downtown and along the lakefront parks. Inland highs should top out near 57°F, but the immediate lakeshore hangs in the low 50s. Overnight, some cooler inland locations could dip into the upper 30s to low 40s, which brings a small chance of isolated patchy frost before dawn Thursday. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the Illinois nearshore waters through 7 p.m. CDT and for the Indiana nearshore waters through 1 a.m. Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, those gusty winds and the marine advisory are the main concerns for the day.
Weekend Storms And A Quick Warm-Up
Showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to return late Thursday night into Friday, with several more rounds possible Saturday into early next week as warmer, more humid air moves in. Some of those storms could become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours a concern as temperatures jump into the upper 70s and 80s. Local reporting from NBC Chicago highlights the risk for damaging winds and soaking rain, so keep an eye on forecasts if you have outdoor plans this weekend.
What To Do Today
Today is a good day to secure patio furniture, tarps and any lightweight items that could blow into traffic, and to give cyclists and pedestrians extra space on the roads, since gusts will make wind-sensitive activities less pleasant. If you are heading to the lakefront or planning to go out on the water, consider postponing or take proper precautions while the Small Craft Advisories remain in effect; otherwise you can expect mostly dry conditions with cooler temperatures right along the lake through Thursday. Check for updates before evening plans and be ready for heavier showers and stronger storms later in the week.
