Chicago, Illinois – Thunderstorms and lingering smoke will make for an unsettled start to the week across northern Illinois, with the worst conditions expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, smoky skies and unseasonably warm temperatures will persist through Tuesday, with highs soaring into the upper 80s across the metro area and along the lakefront. Thunderstorms are expected to develop late Tuesday evening, particularly near the I-39 corridor, and move east overnight into early Wednesday. Some storms may bring heavy rain and gusty winds.
Rain chances will continue into Wednesday, especially for areas south of I-80, and may extend into Thursday for parts of central Illinois near I-55. While rain totals are not expected to be widespread, localized downpours could affect morning commutes and lead to brief ponding on roads.
Chicagoans should avoid strenuous outdoor activity Monday and Tuesday due to poor air quality from lingering wildfire smoke. Those in southern suburbs should prepare for the potential of isolated flooding and brief power outages if storms intensify.
Cooler air is expected to arrive late Thursday into Friday, offering temporary relief from the heat.
Five-Day Forecast:
- Monday: Smoke; High 85°F / Low 61°F
- Tuesday: Windy, storms late; High 89°F / Low 68°F
- Wednesday: Rain, mainly south of I-80; High 83°F / Low 63°F
- Thursday: Scattered rain, cooler lakeside; High 78°F / Low 60°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, cooler; High 72°F / Low 58°F
