Weather
Illinois Storms: Heavy Rain Possible Through Wednesday
Chicago, Illinois – Storms return late tonight, with locally heavy rain and stronger thunderstorms possible Tuesday as a cold front reaches the Chicago area.
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-09-14T11:31:23.434Z
Chicago, Illinois – Storms return late tonight, with locally heavy rain and stronger thunderstorms possible Tuesday as a cold front reaches the Chicago area.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a cold front will move through part of northern Illinois Tuesday before lingering across the region through midweek. Periodic showers and thunderstorms will continue into Thursday.
Before the storms arrive, hazardous waves are expected along the Illinois North Shore from late Monday into Monday night. Spotty afternoon showers or sprinkles are possible across interior northern Illinois, with highs ranging from 71 to 78 degrees.
Showers and embedded thunderstorms develop northwest of Interstate 55 late overnight. Tuesday morning will bring additional showers and embedded thunderstorms, followed by a chance for scattered strong thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon, mainly south of Interstate 80.
Rain chances Tuesday range from 40% to 70%. Temperatures will vary sharply across the region, with highs from 76 to 91 degrees and the warmest conditions well south of I 80.
The threat for locally heavy rainfall continues Tuesday night into Wednesday night, although the Weather Service says confidence remains low on the details. Wednesday rain chances range from 40% to 80%, with highs between 70 and 85 degrees.
Drivers should monitor conditions before traveling during periods of heavier rain and thunderstorms. People near the Illinois North Shore should also account for hazardous waves late Monday and Monday night.
Showers could linger Thursday, especially during the morning, with rain chances of 30% to 60%. The unsettled pattern remains in place through midweek, and the Weather Service advises residents to watch for updates as the heavy rain threat becomes clearer.