Chicago, Illinois – Warm and dry weather will hold across northern Illinois through Tuesday, but conditions will shift sharply by midweek as a strong cold front brings rain, storms, and a noticeable cool-down.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s Monday and Tuesday will give way to unsettled skies by Wednesday afternoon. Showers and a few thunderstorms are expected late Wednesday into the evening, with localized downpours possible.
By Thursday, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 60s, and forecasters warn of a high swim risk along Lake Michigan beaches due to strong northwesterly winds. Overnight lows will dip into the mid-40s by midweek, marking one of the coolest stretches since spring.
Drivers should prepare for wet roads during the Wednesday evening commute, and beachgoers are urged to avoid swimming Thursday when rip currents will be strongest. The pattern will feel more like mid-October than early September, with fall-like air lingering into the weekend.
Additional advisories may be issued if storms strengthen Wednesday evening.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, IL
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 76–81, low 49–62
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high 76–83, low 54–64
- Wednesday: Showers and evening storms, high 71–82, low 44–54
- Thursday: Cloudy, high 60–68, low 45–54, high swim risk on Lake Michigan
- Friday: Cool and dry, highs in the upper 60s
