Chicago, Illinois – Drivers along I-80 south of the city could encounter wet pavement tonight, while a much stronger system targets the Friday commute with near-record warmth and gusty winds across the Chicago metro.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the highest shower coverage through Wednesday will remain mainly south of I-80, keeping much of the city drier until late Wednesday night into Thursday. Areas near Joliet and Kankakee may see periods of rain first, with activity gradually spreading north toward I-55 and I-290.
Thursday brings scattered showers and a steady northeast wind near Lake Michigan, holding lakeshore communities in the lower 50s while inland areas push toward the low 60s. By Friday afternoon, temperatures away from the lake could surge into the low to mid-70s, nearly 15 degrees above early March averages. Gusts may approach 40 mph along I-90 and I-94, creating crosswind concerns for high-profile vehicles.
Showers and a few thunderstorms may develop late Friday into early Saturday as a cold front sweeps across northern Illinois. The highest storm coverage appears likely after 6 p.m. Friday and overnight, potentially slowing travel on the Kennedy Expressway and Eisenhower corridor.
Drivers should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, especially near the lake where cooler air may limit warming but enhance fog potential at times.
Rain tapers by Saturday morning, but additional updates are possible as Friday’s storm system strengthens.
