Chicago is kicking off the week with a little bit of everything. Clear skies and cool readings around 50°F at Midway early Monday will not last long, as sunshine drives a quick warm-up to highs near 79°F. Southwest winds will strengthen through the afternoon, and with dry ground in open fields, those gusts could blow dust across roads, especially south of I-80, making for a grimy and occasionally tricky drive. By later Monday evening, a cold front is set to roll through and bring a threat of showers and thunderstorms.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
According to NWS Chicago, a Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM Monday. Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph will make it feel every bit like the Windy City. The nearshore waters are under a Small Craft Advisory from late morning into the evening, so recreational boaters should think twice before heading out. Drivers should watch rural roads and fields where dust could suddenly cut visibility, and anyone with unsecured yard furniture might find it migrating to a neighbor’s lawn.
Thunderstorm Chance Tonight
As the cold front moves through Monday night, coverage of showers and thunderstorms will increase, with forecasters putting storm chances at about 60 percent and flagging a marginal severe risk for isolated damaging gusts or small hail, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Lows will settle near 50°F overnight. Brief heavy downpours could lead to localized ponding, with new rainfall amounts generally in the tenth to quarter inch range. If storms form over dry fields, outflow winds could also kick up pockets of dust.
Cooler Tuesday
By Tuesday, the weather flips the script. Highs will only reach the low 50s, with a lingering chance of light showers, especially across the southern suburbs. Winds will turn to the north-northeast, and cooler lake air may hold lakefront neighborhoods in the 40s during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to slowly rebound later in the week, with mainly isolated light showers possible through the weekend.
How To Prepare
Secure loose outdoor items before the afternoon gusts pick up, and give yourself extra travel time on rural routes where blowing dust could reduce visibility in a hurry. Consider shifting evening outdoor plans inside if storms stay in the forecast. For background on the broader warm-to-cool swing, see our earlier look at Chicago's wild weekend weather swings, and keep an eye on updates from NWS Chicago for any changes or new warnings. Mariners and small-craft operators should follow the Small Craft Advisory and check local marine forecasts before heading out.
