Chicago woke Friday to humid, partly cloudy conditions and temperatures near 64 degrees, but the quiet start will not last. Afternoon highs should reach about 78 before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop, turning the end of the workweek into a keep-your-weather-app-handy kind of day.
Showers and storms may begin during the early afternoon and continue into the evening, with the best chances arriving later in the day. According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a few storms could become severe, bringing damaging wind gusts up to 60 to 65 mph, half-dollar-size hail and an isolated tornado threat.
Storm Threat Builds Through Friday Evening
Southwest winds will run around 5 to 10 mph as warmer, more humid air moves into the city. Brief heavy downpours are possible, though forecasters say widespread flooding is not the main concern at this time.
Storms should taper off around midnight as a cold front moves through, leaving Friday night mostly cloudy with a low near 66 degrees. Anyone making outdoor plans should have a sturdy indoor backup and head inside immediately if thunder is heard.
Saturday Brings Sun, Wind And Rougher Water
Saturday looks mostly sunny and cooler, with a high near 78 degrees, but northwest winds will increase to 10 to 15 mph and could gust as high as 25 mph. A slight chance of another shower or thunderstorm remains after 2 p.m., although most of the day should stay dry.
The bigger weekend concern will be along Lake Michigan. Dangerous swimming conditions are expected at Porter County beaches Saturday, then are expected to spread to Illinois and Indiana beaches late Saturday night and Sunday as waves and currents build.
Sunny Sunday Starts A Cooler Stretch
Sunday should be the calmest day of the weekend, with sunshine and a high near 74 degrees. Monday stays mostly sunny near 74, while Tuesday warms to around 78 before another chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives Wednesday, when highs may reach 80.
For Chicagoans, Friday afternoon is the time to watch the sky, Saturday is breezy but broadly manageable, and Sunday is the better bet for lakefront walks or other outdoor plans. Beachgoers should check conditions before entering the water and stay away from piers, breakwalls and other exposed shoreline structures when waves are high.
