Chicago, IL – Northern Illinois residents should brace for on-and-off showers and thunderstorms through the middle of next week, with temperatures beginning a gradual slide into the 70s.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, storm chances range from 25 to 60 percent each day through Wednesday, September 24. Saturday and Monday will carry the highest risk, especially across northwest Indiana and northeast Illinois. While many hours will be dry, occasional downpours and lightning could disrupt outdoor plans and commutes.
Highs Saturday are expected to reach 77 to 83 degrees, cooling slightly Sunday into the mid-to-upper 70s. By Wednesday, daytime temperatures are forecast to top out between 68 and 75 degrees. Overnight lows will steadily dip from the mid-60s this weekend into the upper 50s by midweek.
Forecasters noted that the location of storms will vary, with Saturday evening storms most likely north of Interstate 80 and Sunday night storms favoring areas south of I-80. On Wednesday, rain chances will concentrate south of the interstate.
Travelers should prepare for slick roads during storm periods, though dry windows will provide breaks in between. The NWS stressed that while storms are not expected to be severe at this time, residents should stay alert for localized flooding in low-lying areas.
This unsettled pattern marks the start of a gradual seasonal cooldown, with cooler and drier air likely pushing into Illinois by late next week.
