Weather
Chicago Weather Alert: Strong Storms Could Hit Tuesday Afternoon, Heavy Rain Threat Builds Through Wednesday Night
Chicago, Illinois – Chicago area residents have a quieter start to the week ahead, but co…
By Mason Reid · 2026-09-13T12:54:55.123Z
Chicago, Illinois – Chicago area residents have a quieter start to the week ahead, but conditions could change sharply Tuesday afternoon as strong thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall threaten northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, scattered light showers are possible Sunday afternoon before temperatures fall into the 40s and 50s overnight. Monday turns breezy and milder, with highs ranging from 71 to 77 degrees and only a few showers possible late, mainly northwest of Interstate 55.
Tuesday brings the more significant change. Temperatures could reach 92 degrees south of Interstate 80, while humidity increases and storm chances climb to 50% to 80% during the day. Strong storms are possible Tuesday afternoon.
The risk continues Tuesday night, when thunderstorm probabilities range from 40% to 90%. Locally heavy rainfall could become an issue, especially south of I 80. Drivers along I 80, I 55 and other major Chicago area routes should watch for rapidly changing visibility and water collecting on roads during heavier downpours.
Wednesday remains unsettled, with a 60% to 80% daytime storm chance and temperatures from 70 to 84 degrees. Additional thunderstorms and locally heavy rain remain possible Wednesday night.
Residents should monitor National Weather Service alerts before Tuesday travel and avoid driving through flooded roads. Additional advisories could follow as the midweek storm threat becomes clearer.