Chicago, Ill. – A hazy skyline, warm sunshine and growing clouds are setting the stage for a changing day across Chicago. The air may not look dramatically different everywhere, but ozone levels remain elevated as thunderstorms begin to develop later this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect for the greater Chicago metropolitan area until midnight. An Air Pollution Action Day has been declared as ozone levels are expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Smoke and fine particulate pollution could also become a concern later in the week.
By early afternoon, weather conditions become more active. The National Weather Service calls for a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 4 p.m. High temperatures will climb to around 89 degrees, with southwest winds near 10 to 15 mph and gusts reaching 20 mph. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could produce brief heavy rain and gusty winds. Residents should remain weather aware, although the tornado threat appears low.
Drivers along Interstates 90, 94, 55 and 290, as well as Lake Shore Drive, should be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility if thunderstorms develop during the afternoon commute. Wet pavement and isolated lightning may slow travel for a short time.
Sensitive groups, including children, older adults and anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions, should reduce prolonged outdoor activity during the afternoon. If you exercise outside, consider moving activities to the morning or evening when ozone levels are typically lower.
Patchy smoke may linger into Sunday before cooler northeast winds help improve conditions. Monday turns mostly sunny with highs near 87 degrees before another round of showers becomes likely Monday night. Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies and highs near 85 degrees, followed by cooler weather later in the week.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest into late next week, although periodic storm systems remain possible.
Are you seeing hazy skies or storms in your neighborhood? Share your weather photos and conditions from around the Chicago area.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Sunday: Patchy smoke, then mostly sunny. High 78°F, Low 69°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny. High 87°F, Low 73°F. Showers likely Monday night (70%).
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 85°F, Low 65°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny and cooler. High 75°F, Low 64°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 80°F, Low 67°F.
