Illinois wakes up under gray skies and a damp chill, with wet pavement lingering from earlier showers across Chicago. The air feels brisk along Lake Michigan, and the morning commute already carries a slower pace.
According to the National Weather Service, Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and Cicero are seeing lingering clouds and a slight 20% chance of showers developing late morning into the afternoon. The primary impact window runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when light rain and gusts up to 20 mph may reduce visibility and create slick conditions on I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive.
This is part of a broader system keeping much-below-average temperatures locked across the Midwest and eastern U.S., limiting any real spring warmth for now.
While rainfall amounts stay light, even brief showers can create quick slick spots on bridges and elevated roadways. Cooler air hovering in the low 40s increases the risk of reduced traction, especially in shaded areas and along lakefront routes where moisture lingers longest.
Conditions improve later today as clouds gradually thin, but the chill sticks around. Highs only reach the mid to upper 40s, well below typical early May levels.
Tonight turns colder with lows dropping near 38°F, though widespread frost is not expected in the city. Saturday brings a break with sunshine and highs near 50°F, followed by a milder push Sunday into the low 60s.
Looking ahead, a more noticeable warm-up arrives early next week, with highs climbing into the 70s by Monday and continued chances for showers and even a few thunderstorms into Tuesday.
Expect slower travel through mid-afternoon, watch for slick spots on major highways, and plan extra time if heading across the Chicago metro today.
