Chicago, Illinois – After a sunny midweek break, wet and windy weather is set to return across northern Illinois starting Thursday, with thunderstorms likely to impact the Chicago area by Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a more active weather pattern will develop beginning Thursday afternoon, with rain chances increasing to 50–70% by Friday. Gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms are possible, especially along and south of I-80, where precipitation chances peak Friday evening at 80%.
Cities including Naperville, Joliet, and Aurora may see downpours and lightning during Friday’s commute. Breezy conditions could impact travel on elevated roads like I-290 and the Kennedy Expressway. Temperatures will climb into the low 70s Friday before dropping into the low 50s for the weekend.
Residents should secure outdoor items ahead of Thursday’s gusts and be prepared for possible lightning or brief flooding during Friday storms. If you’re heading out Friday night, keep mobile alerts enabled and have a backup power plan.
Rain chances persist into early Saturday, especially south of I-80. Additional updates or advisories could be issued if storms strengthen or stall.
