Get ready for a week of extreme weather in Chicago and the Midwest with temperatures soaring and thunderstorms on the horizon. Keep an eye on the skies and stay informed.

This week in Chicago and across the Midwest, residents will experience a dynamic weather pattern featuring extremely high temperatures and potential severe thunderstorms. With highs possibly reaching 98 degrees, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and take measures to remain cool. As thunderstorms are expected to roll in, bringing gusty winds and heavy rain, prepare for sudden weather changes. Continue monitoring the forecast and take precautions to ensure safety during these volatile conditions.
A narrow band of rain is seen approaching from the northwest, just reaching the outskirts of Des Moines. The rest of the Midwest, including major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, is enjoying clear skies at the moment. Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus remain under calm conditions, with no precipitation currently indicated. Keep an eye on the approaching band as it could bring rain to more locations as it advances eastward.
This evening in Chicago, temperatures are starting at 91 degrees at 9 PM, with a southwest wind at 12 miles per hour. By 11 PM, the temperature will drop slightly to 87 degrees under partly cloudy skies as the wind decreases to 7 miles per hour. By 1 AM, it will be 82 degrees, and the clouds will increase, becoming mostly cloudy while maintaining a light southwest breeze at 7 miles per hour.
Tonight, lows will dip to 67 degrees in Chicago and 72 in Indianapolis. Kansas City will cool to 76 degrees, while St. Louis also holds at 76. Expect a mild night across the region with Peoria at 74 and Fort Wayne at 72. Notably, Cleveland will see a low of 72 degrees, keeping temperatures steady throughout the Midwest.
Tomorrow in the Midwest, the heat continues to build with notable highs. Kansas City and Springfield will reach 91 degrees, while St. Louis is expected to hit 96 degrees. Farther east, Indianapolis warms up to a steamy 95 degrees and Louisville heats up to 97 degrees. Charleston, West Virginia will sizzle at a high of 98 degrees, marking a trend of above-average temperatures in the region. The warm air mass in place is driving these elevated readings, so stay hydrated and be prepared for the heat!
A line of thunderstorms will move through the Midwest, starting west of Des Moines and heading toward Chicago overnight. The storms could bring heavy rain and gusty winds, so stay weather aware. By tomorrow morning, expect the system to stretch into Indiana and Michigan. There is a potential for isolated severe storms, especially in areas like Fort Wayne and Detroit. Cool, dry air will follow the storm as it moves eastward, providing a brief respite before any weekend systems develop.
The UV index in Chicago will be very high on Monday and Tuesday, both at 9, with a burn time of about 15 minutes in direct sunlight. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you’re spending extended periods outside.
Monday: Mostly clear skies with a high of 98 degrees and a low of 76 degrees. Tuesday: Watch for scattered thunderstorms with a high of 91 degrees and a low of 68 degrees. Wednesday: Expect showers early, cooling slightly with a high of 80 degrees and a low of 71 degrees. Thursday: Isolated thunderstorms on the horizon, as the high reaches 90 degrees and the low is 74 degrees. Friday: Mostly cloudy conditions with temperatures peaking at 88 degrees during the day and dipping to 71 at night. Saturday: Partly cloudy skies with a high of 87 degrees and a low of 72 degrees. Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms likely, with a high of 89 degrees and a low of 70 degrees.