Chicago is waking up under a blanket of fog and mist early Thursday, with visibility knocked down along some surface streets and near the lakefront. Temperatures are hovering around 63°F with high dew points, so the patchy fog should burn off quickly after sunrise. Once it does, expect mostly sunny skies with inland highs near 74°F and readings a few degrees cooler at the lake. Northwest winds around 5-10 mph should gust up to about 20 mph in inland neighborhoods this afternoon.
Afternoon Winds And The Lake Breeze
North-northwest winds of 5-10 mph will strengthen through the day, with gusts near 20 mph possible away from the lake. A classic lake-breeze push is expected to flip winds to the northeast or east along the shoreline, keeping beaches and lakeside parks a bit cooler. If you are planning time on Lake Michigan this afternoon, prepare for a wind shift and choppier water. Forecast details from the National Weather Service Chicago.
Friday And Weekend Outlook
A weak system will bring a small chance of rain Friday, mainly after 11 a.m., with a high near 69°F on Friday, June 26. Most of the day should stay dry, but a few late-day showers or a brief thunderstorm are possible in some neighborhoods. Another window for showers and a few storms arrives Saturday night into early Sunday morning (June 27-28), followed by a warmer Sunday with a high near 81°F.
Heat Spike Next Week
A sharper warmup is on deck Monday through Wednesday as a broad ridge builds in and sets up what looks to be the season's first heat wave. Forecast highs are near 96°F on Monday, about 98°F on Tuesday, and around 97°F on Wednesday (June 29-July 1). Dew points in the low 70s will make it feel well over 100°F inland. Lakeshore neighborhoods will heat up too once low-level winds turn offshore, so plan on widespread hot conditions to kick off next week. For cooling centers and heat-safety information, call 311 or check the City of Chicago.
What To Watch
Give yourself a little extra time for the foggy morning commute and keep water handy if you are outside this afternoon. Keep an eye out for any watches or advisories that may be issued ahead of next week's heat.
