Chicago, Illinois – Strong winds will sweep across northern Illinois late Thursday as a cold front moves through, bringing cooler-than-normal temperatures and a heightened swim risk along Northwest Indiana beaches. Gusts could make evening travel more difficult, while a few sprinkles may develop north of I-88.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, conditions will remain mostly dry heading into the weekend, but temperatures will run several degrees below seasonal norms. Highs will stay in the mid-60s to low 70s through Sunday before a warming trend begins early next week.
The agency warns of dangerous swimming conditions along Lake Michigan beaches in Northwest Indiana, where rip currents may develop through Friday. Winds could also make driving difficult on open roads, especially for high-profile vehicles along interstates.
Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and areas along I-88 can expect windy conditions Thursday night, with lows dipping into the lower 50s. Residents near Lake Michigan will see some of the coolest overnight readings of the season, with lows in the 40s. Officials recommend avoiding non-essential travel late Thursday night and using extra caution along the shoreline.
Cooler weather will dominate through the holiday weekend before a rebound in temperatures arrives by Monday. More advisories could follow if winds or lake conditions remain hazardous.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Thursday: High 65–71°F, windy late, chance of sprinkles north of I-88. Low 50–58°F.
- Friday: Breezy, partly sunny. High 63–69°F. Low 42–52°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, cool. High 64–71°F. Low 42–52°F.
- Sunday: Mix of sun and clouds, seasonably cool. High 64–71°F. Low 42–53°F.
- Monday: Warmer with sun. High 68–74°F. Low 46–56°F.
