Illinois commuters are stepping into a gray, misty start, with fog softening the skyline and damp pavement slowing traffic along I-55 and Lake Shore Drive. Visibility has dipped at times outside the city, especially west and north of downtown.
Temperatures hover near 37 degrees at Midway Airport under low clouds. According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, areas of dense fog developed early across northern Illinois, with pockets of locally reduced visibility. Drivers should allow extra distance, particularly on I-80 and I-90 corridors.
Clouds hold firm through midday, with highs near 40 degrees. A few light showers may develop later today. Patchy fog could redevelop tonight as lows fall into the upper 30s.
Thursday turns wetter. Showers become more widespread, and areas of fog linger. Highs stay in the low 40s. By Friday, warmer air surges in. Temperatures climb to 66 degrees, and showers with embedded thunderstorms are likely by afternoon.
A Level 2 of 5 severe storm risk is outlined for parts of the region Friday. Gusty winds and small hail are possible, especially south of I-80. Stay alert for changing conditions if traveling toward Kankakee or northwest Indiana.
Saturday brings cooler air and scattered showers, with highs near 60. Sunday turns mostly sunny and near 60 again. Clocks spring ahead at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, adding evening daylight.
Early next week looks even milder. Highs push toward 70 by Monday and Tuesday, signaling a strong March warm spell.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois:
Today: Cloudy, slight shower chance. High 40.
Thursday: Showers likely. High 43.
Friday: Showers and storms. High 66.
Saturday: Chance showers. High 60.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 60.
