Chicago wakes up to thick clouds and muggy air this Saturday morning, June 6. Midway (KMDW) is sitting near 73°F with a dew point close to 70°F, so it feels every bit as sticky as it sounds while scattered showers and a few thunderstorms roll through at times.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain in play this afternoon and evening, most likely south of Interstate 80 and along any lake-breeze boundary. Highs should top out near 75°F with east-northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph. Rainfall where it does fall is expected to stay on the lighter side, roughly a tenth to a quarter inch, although localized downpours and brief gusty winds are possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Lake Breeze And Where Storms Could Fire
The lake breeze will keep neighborhoods closest to Lake Michigan noticeably cooler, with temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, while inland areas see a bit more sun and a slightly warmer feel. Forecasters expect most storm activity to favor areas south of I-80, but the lake-wind boundary could still trigger a few inland cells this afternoon and evening. Any stronger cell could bring a burst of gusty winds or heavy rain, although the overall risk for severe weather stays limited.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Any downpours that do pop up could cut visibility and slow the evening commute, so it is not a bad idea to plan on a little extra travel time. If you have outdoor events, keep a quick shelter option in mind and secure tents or loose items ahead of time. Boaters on Lake Michigan should keep an eye on changing conditions even though there is currently no small-craft advisory for the nearshore waters.
Looking Ahead
Plenty of dry breaks are still in the mix, but the pattern turns warmer and more humid early next week, with daily chances for storms hanging around. From Tuesday through Thursday (June 9 to 11), inland highs are expected to climb into the upper 80s to low 90s, with a continued chance for afternoon thunderstorms.
For a look at how today’s setup connects to Friday’s system, check out our summary of the stormy smackdown that brought the earlier round of showers and gusty winds.
