Clouds are stacked over Chicago this Friday morning (June 5, 2026), with temps holding near 72°F and south-southwest winds already starting to pick up. Scattered showers are possible through mid-morning before a more organized round of showers and thunderstorms rolls in later in the day, bringing gusty winds and brief but heavy downpours.
Storm Timing and Impacts
Scattered rain showers are likely between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., then showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous through the afternoon and evening. Some storms, especially north of Interstate 80, could become strong to severe, producing damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall that may trigger localized flash flooding. According to the National Weather Service Chicago, rainfall amounts of a quarter to a half inch are possible today, with higher totals tonight.
Afternoon Winds And Lake Conditions
Southwest winds will strengthen this afternoon, with gusts around 25 to 30 mph inland. Lakeshore neighborhoods will stay cooler but still breezy. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the nearshore Lake Michigan waters from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., so boaters should secure gear or stay in port while conditions remain choppy. For background on the warmup and earlier fire-safety concerns, see our coverage of the warmup that fueled brush fire fears.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Periods of heavy rain will cut visibility and could slow the evening commute, so plan on extra travel time and avoid driving through standing water. If you have outdoor events tonight, set up an indoor backup and make sure tents and canopies are tied down well before the gusty winds arrive.
