Chicago is waking up to clear skies and temperatures in the low 50s Thursday, with a sunny afternoon ahead and highs in the low to mid-70s, except in the 60s behind the lake breeze. A light northeast breeze may bring cooler air near the lake, where temperatures could slip into the 60s later in the day.
The National Weather Service expects dry conditions across the city Thursday, with mostly clear skies. Winds will be calm to very light, making for a pleasant day.
Clear Skies Hold Through Sunday
Friday should be mostly sunny, with temperatures similar to Thursday: in the low to mid-70s, except in the 60s behind the lake breeze. Saturday should be mostly sunny near 68 degrees. Sunday looks like the warmest day of the stretch, with temperatures climbing into the mid- to locally upper 70s under mostly sunny skies and no meaningful rain threat through the weekend.
The patio forecast is still cooperating, though a jacket may be useful after sunset.
Fog Could Complicate Friday Morning
The main short-term concern is the possibility of dense fog late Thursday night into early Friday morning, particularly across the central and northern portions of the Chicago metro area. The weather service says confidence is limited, but visibility could drop quickly in spots near the lake and during the morning commute.
Cooler Pattern Arrives Next Week
A front may move across the area Monday and begin cooling temperatures. Tuesday and Wednesday temperatures should be closer to average, though possibly still slightly above it. A rain threat is possible sometime early to midweek, but its timing and whether rain develops remain uncertain.
