Get ready for a sizzling summer as Chicago and the Midwest brace for extreme temperatures and thunderstorms. Dive into our detailed forecast and safety tips.

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the upcoming weather conditions across Chicago and the Midwest. From high temperatures exceeding 90 degrees to late afternoon thunderstorms, discover what the weather holds in store and how to best prepare and protect yourself during this intense summer season. Learn about the UV index warnings, storm safety protocols, and daily forecasts for your area.
The Midwest region is experiencing largely clear conditions with no significant precipitation systems impacting major cities like Des Moines, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. However, light rain is occurring in the northern Midwest, affecting areas like Detroit and Saginaw. To the east, some cloud cover is observed near Cleveland.
For Chicago’s evening weather, temperatures will start at 83 degrees at 9 PM, dropping slightly to 76 degrees by 1 AM. Expect partly cloudy skies throughout the evening. Winds will be gentle, coming from the east-southeast at 4 miles per hour.
Tonight in the Midwest, expect lows to cool down to 69 degrees in Indianapolis and 68 in Columbus. Fort Wayne will drop slightly to 69 degrees, while Chicago remains warmer at 75. St. Louis will see a low of 72, with Kansas City just a notch cooler at 76.
Tomorrow, Chicago will soar to a scorching 94 degrees, while Kansas City and St. Louis are also expected to reach highs of 92 and 93 degrees, respectively. Indianapolis and Louisville will each see temperatures climbing to 91 and 94 degrees. These readings are well above average for this time of year, signaling a heat wave across the Midwest. A high-pressure system is contributing to the warm conditions, leading to a muggy atmosphere throughout the region.
A line of thunderstorms is forecasted to move through the Midwest starting late afternoon tomorrow. Expect storm coverage from Kansas City to St. Louis, continuing to Springfield and Indianapolis throughout the day. These storms may bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of localized flooding. A cold front will follow, resulting in cooler temperatures beginning Thursday evening. Remain weather-aware if you’re in areas like Fort Wayne or Columbus, as strong storms could impact your evening plans.
The UV index in Chicago will be very high at 9 both Thursday and Friday, with a burn time of approximately 15 minutes under direct sun. Make sure to limit your exposure during midday hours and use protective sunblock. Remember to seek shade and wear sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes!
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Thursday: Partly cloudy skies with a high of 90 degrees and a low of 72 degrees. Friday: Mostly clear and warm, reaching up to 93 degrees and cooling to 75 degrees at night. Saturday: Showers arriving late with a high of 95 degrees and a low of 77 degrees. Sunday: Partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures peaking at 84 degrees and dipping to 67 degrees. Monday: A mix of sun and clouds, highs around 79 degrees and lows near 67 degrees. Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a daytime high of 85 degrees and a nighttime low of 71 degrees. Wednesday: Expect showers later in the day with a high of 84 degrees and a low of 70 degrees.