Chicago, Illinois – Strong winds and spring warmth are already sweeping across northern Illinois this morning, with gusty conditions creating travel concerns ahead of incoming rain overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, temperatures will climb to 64 to 70 degrees today with persistent breezy conditions. Winds could exceed 30 mph at times, especially across open areas and along Lake Michigan, where choppy conditions may develop.
Dry weather holds through most of the day, but rain chances increase quickly after midnight, with showers and possible thunderstorms developing into early Thursday morning. Rain probabilities rise to 40–60% Thursday, then peak at 60–80% Thursday night as a more organized system moves through.
Cities including Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan should prepare for wet roads during the Thursday morning and evening commutes. Cooler air will follow, especially near Lake Michigan, where Friday highs drop into the 50s.
Additional scattered showers remain possible into the weekend, with another round of rain possible Sunday as temperatures rebound into the upper 70s.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items today and stay alert for changing conditions overnight as the next system arrives.
