Chicago, Ill. – A smoky haze is hanging over Chicago this Monday, muting the skyline and reducing air quality before another round of potentially strong thunderstorms targets northern Illinois later today. The air may look calm this morning, but conditions are expected to change quickly by evening as storms approach from the northwest.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect through Monday night as wildfire smoke continues drifting into northern Illinois. Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category across much of the region, prompting residents with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions to limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Monday will still turn warm despite the haze, with a high near 86 degrees. Southwest winds will increase to 5 to 15 mph, with gusts approaching 25 mph during the afternoon. Drivers along Interstates 90, 94, 55, 290 and 294 may notice reduced visibility at times because of lingering smoke.
Meteorologists are now tracking a line of thunderstorms expected to develop by this evening and continue into early Tuesday. The Hazardous Weather Outlook highlights a Level 2 of 5 risk for damaging winds up to 65 mph, a Level 1 risk for tornadoes, hail up to 1 inch, and localized flooding. While storms may not affect every neighborhood, any stronger cell could produce dangerous wind gusts and brief travel disruptions.
Keep phones charged, secure outdoor furniture, and remain weather-aware this evening. If thunder roars, move indoors immediately. Conditions improve quickly Tuesday with only isolated showers before much cooler and drier air arrives Wednesday, bringing sunshine and highs near 72 degrees.
Long-range outlooks suggest temperatures could trend above normal later next week, but for now, cleaner air and quieter weather return after midweek.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Monday: Widespread smoke. Partly sunny. High 86°F. Thunderstorms possible this evening. Low 74°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny with isolated afternoon showers. High 85°F. Low 64°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny and noticeably cooler. High 72°F. Low 62°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 79°F. Low 68°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High 80°F.
