Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across the Chicago metro could run into ponding on roads and reduced visibility through the late morning hours Sunday as scattered thunderstorms continue moving across northern Illinois during one of the busiest holiday travel weekends of the year.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, showers and widely scattered thunderstorms are expected through midday before drier air moves into the region later this afternoon and continues into Tuesday. Temperatures are also expected to climb steadily through midweek, with inland communities warming well into the 80s while areas near Lake Michigan stay noticeably cooler.
Wet pavement and brief downpours may impact stretches of I-90, I-94 and I-55 during the morning hours, especially south and west of downtown Chicago. Gusty winds and isolated lightning could also interrupt outdoor Memorial Day weekend events before conditions improve later Sunday. Emergency managers urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and allow extra stopping distance during heavier rain.
The warming trend becomes more noticeable Monday and Tuesday as highs rise between 81 and 87 degrees across much of northern Illinois. Lakefront neighborhoods may remain in the upper 70s due to cooler onshore winds off Lake Michigan.
Rain chances return mainly south of Interstate 80 by Tuesday night into Wednesday, though widespread severe weather is not currently expected. Additional updates or advisories could be issued if thunderstorms become more organized later this week.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
Sunday: Showers and storms through midday. High 72-81. Low 55-59.
Monday: Partly sunny and warmer. High 81-85. Low 59-64.
Tuesday: Warm with partial sunshine. Slight storm chance south of I-80 late. High 81-87. Low 62-67.
Wednesday: Isolated storms mainly south of I-80. High 80-86. Low 59-62.
Thursday: Partly cloudy and cooler near the lake. High 76-83. Low 54-59.
