Chicago, IL – A major weather pattern shift is expected across northern Illinois beginning Thursday, May 14, bringing warmer temperatures, increasing humidity, and multiple chances for thunderstorms through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, temperatures Thursday will begin trending warmer across the region, although areas near Lake Michigan will remain noticeably cooler because of onshore winds.
High temperatures Thursday are expected to range from the mid-60s near the lakeshore to the lower 70s farther inland. Dry weather is expected for much of the day before isolated showers arrive later Thursday night.
Forecasters said a warmer and more humid weather pattern will settle into the Chicago area late Friday, May 15, and continue through at least early next week. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s this weekend, with overnight lows rising into the upper 50s and lower 60s.
Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are possible between Friday night and Monday, May 18-19. While many hours during the period are expected to remain dry, meteorologists warn that some storms may become severe at times.
Saturday and Sunday currently carry the highest overall storm chances, with scattered thunderstorms possible across Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, Waukegan, and surrounding communities.
Despite the increasing rain and storm opportunities, forecasters emphasized there will still be extended periods of dry weather mixed into the forecast.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts through the weekend as timing and severity details become clearer.
