Weather
Northern Illinois Election Day Weather: 40+ MPH Gusts, Soaking Rain Arrives
Chicago, IL – Residents across northern Illinois should prepare for a windy and increasingly wet Tuesday, Nov. 3, as strong southerly wind gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph give way to widespread soa
By Claire Benton · 2026-11-03T10:35:37.062Z
Chicago, IL – Residents across northern Illinois should prepare for a windy and increasingly wet Tuesday, Nov. 3, as strong southerly wind gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph give way to widespread soaking rainfall that could affect afternoon and evening travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, rain will gradually spread eastward throughout Tuesday, with the strongest winds expected ahead of the approaching showers and low clouds.
Rain Spreads Across Northern Illinois Tuesday Forecasters have outlined several periods when rain coverage is expected to increase across the region.
Between 8 a.m. and noon, showers will begin expanding across western portions of northern Illinois, including areas near Rockford, Dixon and DeKalb.
From noon to 4 p.m., rain coverage is expected to increase around Rockford, Ottawa, Aurora and Elgin, while locations farther east may remain relatively drier.
Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., widespread showers should cover much of northern Illinois, with rain becoming increasingly likely around Chicago, Joliet and Kankakee.
The National Weather Service cautions that isolated thunderstorms containing lightning could develop within areas experiencing the greatest rain coverage, particularly farther west.
However, severe thunderstorms are not expected.
Wind Gusts Could Exceed 40 MPH Ahead of the rain, strong southerly winds could produce gusts reaching 40 mph or briefly higher, especially across eastern portions of the region where rain coverage remains limited.
Tuesday's temperatures will remain unusually mild, with afternoon highs ranging from 66 to 76 degrees.
Widespread rain is expected to continue into early Wednesday morning before gradually diminishing.
Wednesday will remain breezy and cooler, with highs between 57 and 67 degrees.
By Thursday, temperatures should fall into the mid 50s to lower 60s, followed by highs of 51 to 58 degrees Friday as more seasonable November conditions return.
Drivers traveling Interstate 90, Interstate 80, Interstate 55 and other major routes should prepare for wet pavement, reduced visibility and occasional strong crosswinds.
Residents can monitor updated forecasts at weather.gov/Chicago.