Chicago, Illinois – A cool-down is coming for the Chicago metro as Thursday, July 17th brings a noticeable temperature dip and a slight chance of rain — ending the city’s recent string of 90-degree highs. After days of heat index values near 100°F, the National Weather Service expects daytime highs to fall to 71°F on Thursday, with light rain possible through mid-afternoon.
According to the NWS Chicago office, there’s a 20% chance of isolated showers after 1 p.m. Thursday, with north-northeast winds gusting up to 20 mph by evening. Conditions should dry out into the night, offering a partly cloudy and cooler end to the workweek for areas near Midway and along the I-55 corridor.
Friday looks dry and warmer, climbing to 78°F under mostly sunny skies, but don’t expect the calm to last. Rain chances increase Friday night, and thunderstorms are likely on Saturday, especially in the afternoon and evening. Highs rebound into the mid-80s, with wet and muggy conditions expected to disrupt outdoor plans across Cook and DuPage counties.
Residents are urged to monitor road conditions this weekend, especially near interstates I-90 and I-290, where reduced visibility and ponding could impact travel during peak storm hours.
🌤️ 5-Day Chicago Weather Outlook (July 17–22):
- Thursday: Slight chance of showers after 1 p.m. High near 71°F. Breezy with gusts to 20 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 78°F.
- Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 84°F.
- Sunday: Chance of showers and storms. High near 79°F.
- Monday: More rain possible. Mostly cloudy, high near 81°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, high near 91°F.
Stay alert for updated advisories as weekend storms develop and another heatwave builds into early next week.
