Chicago is starting Friday with clear skies and temperatures near 70 degrees, but the calm opening act will not last all weekend. Mostly sunny conditions should push the city to about 84 degrees this afternoon, while a growing storm pattern takes over from Friday night through the middle of next week.
Patchy fog is the early concern, especially near and east of I-55 and across parts of southeastern Chicago’s metro area. The National Weather Service Chicago says a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Friday in parts of northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana, with visibility potentially dropping quickly in affected areas.
Mostly Sunny Friday, Storms After Dark
Once the fog lifts, Friday should turn warm and mostly sunny, with south winds running 5 to 10 mph. The daytime rain chance is below 10%, making the afternoon a solid window for errands, patios and outdoor plans.
That quiet stretch could end after 9 p.m., when scattered showers and thunderstorms become possible. The chance of rain is around 30%, and any stronger storms that reach northern Illinois could bring gusty winds and small hail, according to forecasters.
Weekend Starts Quiet, Then Turns Active
Saturday looks like the weekend’s most dependable day, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 79 degrees. A light northwesterly breeze should bring slightly cooler air, while Saturday night falls to around 67 under partly cloudy skies.
Sunday is where the forecast gets messier. A chance of rain arrives in the morning, followed by additional chances for showers and thunderstorms from late morning through the afternoon, with a high near 83 and a 50% chance of precipitation.
Storm Chances Linger Into Midweek
Showers and thunderstorms remain possible Monday, when temperatures climb back to about 84 degrees, and storms become likely Monday night as lows settle near 70. Tuesday stays mostly cloudy with a high near 79, with thunderstorms likely at times before the chances ease later in the day.
Wednesday brings another chance for showers and thunderstorms with a high near 78, while Thursday looks mostly sunny and cooler near 76 with only a slight storm chance. For Chicagoans planning outdoor time, Friday afternoon and Saturday are the clearest bets, while Sunday through Wednesday call for flexible plans and a quick check of updated forecasts.
