Chicago, Illinois – Afternoon travelers near Interstates 55 and 57 should prepare for slowdowns as thunderstorms move into northern and central Illinois between noon and 8 p.m. Friday, bringing lightning, downpours, and gusty winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a disturbance sweeping across the state is sparking isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms, with the greatest storm risk concentrated east of I-55 and I-57. The storms are expected to remain scattered but could produce pockets of heavy rain and brief wind gusts, especially in areas highlighted in the darker blue on Friday’s storm potential map.
Temperatures will climb into the low 90s with high humidity, making conditions feel oppressive ahead of a cold front expected to arrive overnight. This front will bring drier air and clear skies on Saturday before another surge of humidity returns Sunday, along with a renewed threat for evening storms. Monday could bring a more organized line of storms followed by a noticeable drop in humidity.
Drivers should allow extra travel time this afternoon and avoid flooded roadways. Lightning remains a hazard even in non-severe storms.
⚡ Five Day Bullet Forecast (Chicago area):
- Friday: Scattered PM storms, humid, high 81–90°F, low 61–69°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, less humid, high 80–90°F, low 67–72°F
- Sunday: Scattered PM storms, muggy, high 89–94°F, low 67–73°F
- Monday: Scattered storms, breezy, high 82–89°F, low 62–70°F
- Tuesday: Cooler and less humid, partly sunny, high mid 70s
