Chicago woke up to a gray, soupy start on Sunday morning, July 5, with low clouds, patchy fog and temperatures mostly in the upper 60s near the lake. The fog is hanging on the longest right along the lakefront and in low-lying neighborhoods. Showers with a few isolated thunderstorms are most likely before 1 p.m., with only a slight chance of additional storms from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Highs should reach around 74°F inland and stay a few degrees cooler right along Lake Michigan as north winds pick up to 5 to 15 mph by midday.
Fog And Boating Caution
Nearshore waters and lakefront streets could see sharply reduced visibility this morning, and a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for the nearshore waters. Small-craft operators should take it slow and use caution. Waves are expected to build into the 2 to 4 foot range this afternoon, with a few spots possibly seeing 5 footers if winds come in stronger than forecast. For current advisories and marine details, see the National Weather Service Chicago.
Afternoon Showers And Flooding Watch
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely before 1 p.m. New rainfall in storms could total roughly a quarter to a half inch, with the overall chance of precipitation near 60 percent. Saturday's storms already dumped heavy rain across parts of the city. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District reports its TARP reservoirs are holding billions of gallons and has issued an Overflow Action Alert, so any slow-moving showers this morning could quickly spark localized street and basement flooding. For more, see the MWRD update and how storms crashed Chicago's July 4 party. Keep an eye on local traffic feeds if you live in south and southwest neighborhoods that saw the heaviest totals.
Commute And Beach Plans
Expect slower commutes and give yourself extra time to get around. Never drive through standing water, as the saying goes, "Turn Around, Don't Drown." If you were planning to hit the lakefront, be ready for choppy 2 to 4 foot waves and consider holding off on swimming until water quality samples clear after the recent heavy rain.
What To Watch Tonight And Early Week
Tonight stays breezy, with lows near 67°F and north-northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to about 25 mph as skies turn partly cloudy. Drier, more seasonable weather moves in Monday and Tuesday before humidity and a warmer trend creep back later in the week. For the latest radar and any forecast changes, check the National Weather Service Chicago.
