From cloudy afternoons to stormy nights—Amy Freeze reports on the shifting weather patterns in Chicago for a dynamic May 2025.

Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides an in-depth analysis of the diverse weather conditions spanning across Chicago and the Midwest. Expect a blend of partly cloudy skies and emerging storm fronts. With daily temperature overviews and preparations for potential storms, this is your go-to guide for navigating May’s unpredictable climate. Regional highlights include slick conditions in Fort Wayne and heavy rain risks in Columbus. Stay tuned to ups and downs with our seven-day forecast, capturing everything from mild evenings to thunderstorm alerts. A line of rain is stretching across the Midwest on the Regional Radar this morning. Showers are advancing eastward, impacting areas like Indianapolis and Bowling Green. As this moisture continues, Fort Wayne and Columbus should prepare for slick conditions due to the persistent drizzle. Looking farther north, light precipitation is expected in parts of Detroit. Chicago and Springfield maintain dry skies under a blanket of cloud cover.
Chicago will experience partly cloudy conditions this afternoon with temperatures stable around 55 degrees. Winds from the north-northeast are expected to reach up to 10 miles per hour by 6 PM. As evening approaches, temperatures will dip slightly to 53 degrees while maintaining partly cloudy skies.
Today in the Midwest, we see a range of high temperatures, with Kansas City leading the charge at 76 degrees. Moving east, St. Louis will reach 62, while Indianapolis stays a bit cooler, peaking at 61 degrees. Fort Wayne checks in with a high of 64, and further north, Peoria is seeing a comfortable 64 degrees. Chicago is notably cooler at just 56 degrees. To the south in Louisville, we can expect a high of 58, indicating a noticeable contrast across the region.
Tonight in the Midwest, we’re looking at some cooler temperatures settling in. Chicago is expected to dip to 49 degrees, while Indianapolis will see a low of 54. Fort Wayne is anticipating a cooler night at 48 degrees, and expect 51 degrees in both Cleveland and Detroit. Kansas City remains relatively mild with a low of 57.
High temperatures across the Midwest tomorrow will see several areas experiencing above-average readings. Chicago is expected to reach 68 degrees, while St. Louis and Peoria will climb to 76 degrees. Des Moines is shaping up for a warm 77-degree high, and Kansas City will also see a pleasant 76 degrees. Indianapolis and Columbus will be cooler, with highs around 59 and 58 degrees, respectively.
A cold front moves across the Midwest, with showers and thunderstorms developing throughout the day from Chicago to Indianapolis and into Fort Wayne. By the evening, expect isolated strong storms in Columbus and Cleveland, potentially bringing gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Temperatures will drop slightly behind the front, bringing cooler and drier conditions into Tuesday. Watch for flooding in low-lying areas as over an inch of rain is possible. Out west in Kansas City and Des Moines, skies clear with comfortable temperatures and dry conditions persisting.
The UV index in Chicago will be moderate on Monday with a level of 6, suggesting a burn time of approximately 23 minutes in direct sunlight. On Tuesday, the index increases to a high of 7, with a faster burn time of about 20 minutes.