Chicago, Illinois – A rare cosmic show could light up the night sky tonight as the Northern Lights push farther south than usual. Clear skies through Tuesday morning may give Illinois residents, including those in Chicago, a chance to see glowing auroras dancing above the horizon.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a coronal mass ejection racing from the sun is driving a strong geomagnetic storm. This event could make the aurora visible as far south as Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri if cloud cover stays light. Experts recommend heading away from city lights, especially along Lake Michigan or open stretches of I-55, for the best view.
While the skies may glow tonight, a shift in weather arrives midweek. Sunny conditions dominate Tuesday with highs near 76, but showers and possible thunderstorms move into northern Illinois by Wednesday afternoon. Commuters should prepare for wet roads and slower travel Wednesday evening, particularly across Cook and DuPage Counties.
The National Weather Service reports temperatures will stay comfortable, with daytime highs in the 70s and overnight lows in the low 60s. Residents should take advantage of Tuesday’s clear skies for outdoor plans before rain interrupts the middle of the week.
Showers could linger into Wednesday night, but drier weather returns Thursday into the weekend. More updates will be issued if storm activity intensifies or aurora conditions expand.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 76. Low 63.
- Wednesday: 50% chance of showers and storms, high 78. Low 53.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 64. Low 53.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 70. Low 52.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 87. Low 53.
