Saturday morning, July 4, started off steamy in Chicago, with mostly clear, muggy skies and temperatures hovering near 72°F. That calm is not expected to last. Showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon, with a high near 80°F, and a few storms could pack damaging wind gusts, especially for areas near and south of I-80.
Afternoon Thunderstorm Risk
Forecasters expect a band of scattered thunderstorms to sweep across the region between about 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The National Weather Service Chicago puts the chance of precipitation around 70 percent, with new rainfall totals of roughly a quarter to a half inch possible. Stronger cells could deliver brief heavy downpours and damaging winds that may knock down tree branches and trigger localized power outages.
Timing Tonight And Sunday
Showers and thunderstorms may linger into the evening and could hold on through about 5 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, with overnight lows near 68°F. Sunday trends a bit cooler with a high near 76°F, although a chance of afternoon storms sticks around. North winds should blow at about 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to around 20 mph. Light winds paired with humid air also bring a risk of patchy fog late tonight into Sunday morning, particularly farther inland.
Fireworks, Commutes And Outdoors
The unsettled forecast throws a wrench into some Independence Day plans. Forecasters note there could be a late-evening lull that might help some fireworks shows squeeze by, but isolated showers or storms are still possible, so it is smart to have a dry backup plan. Heavy downpours and gusty winds could cause localized street flooding and slow down traffic, so leave extra time for driving and be ready to move to a sturdy building if storms move in.
Local Update And Sources
This update builds on an earlier pre-holiday roundup from Hoodline. For more background, see our look at steamy skies and stormy fireworks. The latest forecast tightens the timing and puts a sharper spotlight on today's increased risk for damaging winds and flash flooding in spots that have already picked up heavy rain.
Quick Prep Tips
Grab rain gear before you head out, secure loose outdoor items and move vehicles out of low-lying areas if heavy rain is expected. If you depend on electricity for medical equipment, line up a backup plan and keep an eye on local alerts and the National Weather Service for any watches or warnings through the holiday.
