CHICAGO – A stretch of mild, dry weather will carry Illinois into the Labor Day holiday weekend, with just a brief round of showers and storms possible late Wednesday into Thursday. Temperatures will stay comfortable, topping out in the 70s most days with cool overnight lows.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a weak disturbance could trigger scattered storms near Lake Michigan late Wednesday night through Thursday. While rainfall will be limited, forecasters warn that dangerous swimming conditions are expected along Lake Michigan beaches Thursday and Friday due to high waves and rip currents.
Across northern Illinois, highs will range from the low 70s to near 80, while overnight lows dip into the upper 40s and 50s, especially inland. Chicago itself will feel cooler along the lakefront, where the lowest temperatures of the season so far are possible later this week.
Holiday travelers should find smooth conditions by Saturday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s expected through the weekend. Boaters and swimmers along Lake Michigan, however, should continue to use caution until conditions improve Friday night.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Wednesday: High 73–77, low 56–64; spotty overnight showers, isolated thunder possible.
- Thursday: High 72–80, low 47–60; scattered showers, isolated storm risk; dangerous swimming at Lake Michigan.
- Friday: High 67–75, low 46–59; partly sunny; dangerous swimming continues at Lake Michigan.
- Saturday: High 70–76, low 49–61; mostly sunny, dry.
- Sunday: High 73–78, low 51–63; partly cloudy, pleasant.
