Chicago, Illinois – A blast of heat and humidity is gripping Illinois today and Saturday, with heat indices soaring close to 100 degrees and little relief in sight until the middle of next week. According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the most intense heat is expected both Friday and Saturday, with localized indices near 105°F possible on Saturday, especially across northwest Illinois and in the Chicago metro.
The oppressive conditions will set the stage for a more volatile weather pattern beginning late Saturday. Storms are expected to fire up by Saturday afternoon, with the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, mainly near and northwest of I-55. Showers and storms will remain a threat through Monday, and some storms could bring torrential downpours and flash flooding, especially from Sunday night into Wednesday.
Travelers and residents should limit outdoor activities during peak heat, stay hydrated, and keep a close eye on weather alerts. Scattered storms could bring rapid changes, including dangerous lightning and locally damaging winds. Those in areas prone to flooding should prepare now for the possibility of waterlogged roads.
The active pattern looks to persist into midweek, with more advisories likely as the threat of storms continues.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois:
- Friday: Humid, small chance of morning storms, high 88-93°F, low 71-75°F
- Saturday: Hot, humid, scattered storms, high 88-94°F, low 70-76°F
- Sunday: Scattered strong storms likely, high 84-92°F, low 69-75°F
- Monday: Scattered showers/storms, high 83-88°F, low 66-72°F
- Tuesday: Continued humid, lingering storms possible, high 80s
