Chicago, Illinois – Northern Illinois and northwest Indiana face a double weather threat through Monday as unhealthy wildfire smoke lingers over the region before strong to severe thunderstorms arrive Monday night. Residents with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity during the day, while everyone should be prepared for potentially damaging winds after sunset as storms develop.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, an Air Pollution Action Day has been declared for Illinois, while Indiana officials have issued an Air Quality Action Day for northwest Indiana. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to keep air quality at unhealthy levels through Monday, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
Forecasters also warn that atmospheric conditions will become favorable for severe thunderstorms late Monday into Monday night across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. While confidence is high that storms will develop, the exact corridor where the strongest storms will track remains uncertain. The primary hazards are expected to be damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding on roadways and hazardous travel during the evening commute and overnight hours.
Residents in Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Waukegan, Gary, Hammond, and surrounding communities should monitor forecasts closely throughout Monday. Outdoor plans may need to be adjusted as lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds approach. Secure loose outdoor items, charge electronic devices, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings before storms arrive.
Air quality is expected to improve after thunderstorms move through Monday night, with drier weather returning Tuesday through Thursday. However, officials urge residents not to let improving conditions Tuesday overshadow the potential for dangerous weather Monday night. Additional severe thunderstorm watches, warnings, or air quality advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Sunday: Hazy with wildfire smoke. High 79–84°, low 60–65°.
- Monday: Smoke early, then late-day thunderstorms with severe weather possible Monday night. High 84–88°, low 68–71°.
- Tuesday: Lingering morning rain, then gradual clearing. High 84–87°, low 57–64°.
- Wednesday: Sunny and cooler near Lake Michigan. High 75–80°, low 53–62°.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and dry. High 80–83°, low 60–65°.
