Chicago, Illinois – Summerlike warmth will give way to a sharp cooldown this week as a cold front pushes through northern Illinois on Wednesday, bringing showers, thunderstorms, and a noticeable drop in temperatures. Afternoon storms could cause wet roads and brief travel delays before skies clear late Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, highs will still reach the low 80s Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday will struggle to get out of the mid-60s. The front will also generate a high swim risk along Lake Michigan beaches Thursday, with strong currents and dangerous waves expected.
Communities across Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties could see heavy downpours during the evening commute Wednesday, making for slick highways and slower travel. Winds behind the front will usher in a fall-like air mass, dropping overnight lows into the 40s across much of the metro area by Thursday morning.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on changing conditions Wednesday, limit swimming at area beaches Thursday, and prepare for cooler mornings through the end of the week.
Warnings and advisories remain possible as the system moves through midweek.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, 78–82, cooler near the lake
- Wednesday: Afternoon showers and storms, 72–82, lows 42–51
- Thursday: Cloudy, highs 63–67, strong rip current risk on Lake Michigan
- Friday: Mostly sunny, highs near 70, cool overnight
- Saturday: Mild, partly cloudy, highs in the mid-70s
