Chicago, Illinois – Thunderstorms will threaten the Chicago area Thursday afternoon, followed by a surge of dangerous heat Friday with “feels like” temperatures near 100°F. Residents from Aurora to Evanston are also under an Air Quality Alert until midnight tonight, with outdoor activity discouraged for sensitive groups.
According to the National Weather Service and Illinois EPA, scattered thunderstorms are likely Thursday after 1 p.m., possibly producing gusty winds and downpours in the city and suburbs. The bigger concern comes Friday and Saturday as a dome of heat moves in—heat indices will approach or top 100°F, particularly in southern Cook County, Joliet, and Naperville. South winds will keep humidity high, making outdoor plans risky for anyone without access to shade or AC.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency urges residents—especially children, seniors, and those with asthma—to limit time outside and avoid strenuous activity today due to elevated ozone and particle pollution. Thunderstorms may briefly break the heat but could also disrupt Friday evening commutes or weekend events.
Power outages and rapid pavement flooding are possible in stronger storms, and isolated tree limb damage could occur where wind gusts exceed 40 mph. Stay weather-aware by charging devices, planning for cooling centers, and checking local alerts. No hazardous weather is expected overnight, but conditions remain unsettled through Tuesday.
Warnings for air quality, storms, and excessive heat remain in effect for northern Illinois through the weekend. More advisories are possible as new data arrives.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois:
- Thursday: Chance of afternoon thunderstorms, high near 87°F
- Friday: Hot and humid, storms possible early, high 90°F+, heat index near 100°F
- Saturday: Sunny and continued heat, slight storm risk late, high 91°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, chance of storms, high 88°F
- Monday: Cooler, chance of storms, high near 86°F
