Weather
Northeast Illinois Weather Alert: 80% Rain Risk Oct 15-16
Chicago, IL – Gusty winds, repeated rounds of showers and cooler temperatures are expected to create unsettled conditions across Chicago heading into Friday, Oct. 16, before sunshine returns for the w
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-15T08:00:17.663Z
Chicago, IL – Gusty winds, repeated rounds of showers and cooler temperatures are expected to create unsettled conditions across Chicago heading into Friday, Oct. 16, before sunshine returns for the weekend. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph Friday and Friday night, while rain chances climb to 80% Thursday and 60% Friday. The combination could affect commuters, outdoor activities and travel along major expressways before temperatures recover Sunday across the Chicago area.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, Thursday will bring showers and patchy drizzle, mainly after 10 a.m., with an afternoon high near 65 degrees. East southeast winds around 10 mph could gust to 20 mph. Rainfall amounts between one tenth and one quarter inch are possible during the day, with additional precipitation expected Thursday night.
Friday Brings the Strongest Winds and More Rain Friday, Oct. 16, is expected to bring the most significant combination of wind and rainfall in the available forecast. Showers become likely, mainly after 1 p.m., with a 60% precipitation probability. Temperatures should reach only 53 degrees, representing a 12 degree decline from Thursday's forecast high.
West northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph could produce gusts reaching 40 mph, making conditions particularly blustery along Chicago's lakefront, exposed roadways and open areas. Although the supplied forecast does not identify a formal wind advisory, gusts of this strength could make driving more difficult for high profile vehicles and move unsecured outdoor objects.
Friday night's unsettled weather continues with scattered showers before 1 a.m. Saturday. The precipitation probability decreases to 40%, while north winds of 25 to 30 mph gradually ease to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Gusts could still reach 40 mph before temperatures fall to approximately 43 degrees.
Chicago Commuters Could Face Wet, Windy Conditions Thursday's rain is expected to continue into the evening, with showers and patchy drizzle before 10 p.m., followed by scattered showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Friday. The National Weather Service places Thursday night's precipitation probability at 80%, with rainfall amounts between one quarter and one half inch possible.
Wet pavement and gusty crosswinds could affect travel along Interstate 90, Interstate 94, Interstate 290 and Lake Shore Drive, particularly during periods of heavier showers. Drivers should anticipate changing visibility and maintain additional following distance when traveling through rain.
Friday's stronger winds may also be noticeable near Lake Michigan and along exposed sections of the city's transportation network. However, the supplied forecast does not confirm road closures, flight cancellations, lakefront restrictions or widespread transportation disruptions.
Residents planning outdoor activities Friday should prepare for cooler temperatures, occasional showers and persistent winds. Lightweight outdoor decorations, trash containers and other unsecured objects may need attention before the strongest gusts develop.
Sunshine Returns for a Milder Weekend Saturday, Oct. 17, brings a noticeable improvement as sunny skies return and afternoon temperatures reach approximately 55 degrees. Saturday night should remain clear, with temperatures falling to around 44 degrees.
Sunday, Oct. 18, offers another sunny day with temperatures climbing near 60 degrees, providing more favorable conditions for outdoor activities across Chicago and surrounding Cook County communities.
The warming trend continues into Monday, when mostly sunny skies and temperatures near 65 degrees are expected. Tuesday and Wednesday bring additional improvement, with afternoon highs reaching the middle to upper 60s.
For Chicago residents, Friday's combination of 40 mph wind gusts and recurring showers remains the most important weather concern before the weekend.
Will Friday's windy, rainy conditions affect your commute or weekend plans across Chicago?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers and patchy drizzle are expected with an 80% precipitation chance and an afternoon high near 65 degrees, followed by additional showers Thursday night, gusts up to 30 mph and a low around 51 degrees.
Friday 10/16: Showers become likely after 1 p.m., with a 60% precipitation chance, a high near 53 degrees and west northwest wind gusts reaching 40 mph; Friday night brings a 40% rain chance and a low near 43 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies return with an afternoon high near 55 degrees as conditions improve following Friday's rain and strong winds, while Saturday night remains clear with temperatures falling to approximately 44 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunshine continues with an afternoon high near 60 degrees, providing a more comfortable day for outdoor activities after the unsettled weather, followed by mostly clear skies and an overnight low around 47 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny conditions bring an afternoon high near 65 degrees as temperatures continue recovering from Friday's cooler weather, while Monday night becomes partly cloudy with temperatures falling to approximately 50 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring sunshine and an afternoon high near 66 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies and an overnight low around 52 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain mostly sunny with temperatures reaching approximately 67 degrees.
The available forecast indicates a gradual return to milder conditions after Friday's wind and rainfall, with no additional significant precipitation or strong wind events specifically identified through Wednesday.
Reliable forecast details beyond Oct. 21 were not supplied.