Heavy rain is already soaking Chicago early Saturday. The city is heading into a long, stormy stretch that could bring urban flooding, dangerous lake conditions and a much cooler start to next week.
A Flood Watch is in effect through 1 p.m. Saturday as thunderstorms drop heavy rain across Chicago and surrounding parts of Cook County. The National Weather Service says localized flash flooding is possible where heavy rain occurs, with 1 to 2 inches of rain possible during the day.
Storms Could Return Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms are expected through the late morning, with scattered storms still possible during the afternoon. Another round of heavy rain is forecast Saturday night into Sunday, when localized flash flooding may develop where downpours repeat.
Saturday's high should reach about 72 degrees, but Sunday will be cooler with a high near 68. Sunday also brings increasing northeast winds, making the wet conditions feel even less welcoming.
Lake Michigan Beaches Are Off-Limits
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through 3 p.m. Saturday for Chicago-area beaches, where high waves and dangerous swimming conditions are expected. The weather service advises staying out of the water and away from piers, jetties, breakwalls and other shoreline structures.
The active warnings are a sharper update to Friday's forecast, which had already flagged a stormy weekend. Anyone driving Saturday should avoid flooded streets and never attempt to cross standing water, while outdoor plans near the lake may need to be scrapped entirely.
Cooler Weather Takes Over Next Week
Rain chances ease after Sunday but do not disappear immediately. Monday brings a high near 63 with possible showers and thunderstorms, followed by mostly cloudy skies Tuesday. Partly sunny and drier weather returns Wednesday.
Partly sunny weather returns Thursday. For now, though, Chicago's weekend forecast is less about whether to carry an umbrella than whether one will be enough.
