Illinois – Trash cans tumble and wind whips across Chicago streets this morning as powerful gusts surge through the region. Drivers along Lake Shore Drive and Interstate 90 are already feeling strong crosswinds, and the gusts will intensify through midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. for northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. Westerly winds of 30 to 35 mph will frequently gust between 55 and 60 mph. These winds may down tree limbs and power lines, raising the risk of scattered outages.
Travel could become difficult, especially for trucks and high-profile vehicles. Drivers on I-90, I-94, and I-55 should expect sudden crosswinds on exposed stretches of roadway. Loose outdoor objects may also be blown around neighborhoods across Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties.
Conditions gradually ease tonight as winds slowly diminish. Temperatures fall toward the lower 40s while clouds linger across the Chicago metro area.
A brief break arrives Saturday with calmer winds and highs near 40°F. A few snow showers may develop during the afternoon, though accumulation should remain light.
Meteorologists are now tracking a stronger system expected Sunday across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. Temperatures rise near 59°F ahead of the system. Showers may develop early in the day before thunderstorms move through during the afternoon.
Storms could bring damaging winds as the primary threat. The risk appears greatest near and east of Interstate 55. After the storms pass, colder air quickly sweeps in.
Rain may change to snow Sunday night into Monday with gusty winds and falling temperatures. Snow showers could linger Monday with highs near 31°F across Chicago.
Meteorologists continue monitoring this rapidly changing March weather pattern across the Midwest.
Seeing strong winds where you are in Chicago? Tell us what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois
Friday: Very windy with gusts near 60 mph. High near 45°F.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. High near 40°F.
Sunday: Showers and possible thunderstorms. High near 59°F.
Monday: Snow showers and windy. High near 31°F.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and colder. High near 27°F.
