Explore Chicago’s weather tomorrow – mild start with cloudy skies and get the scoop on potential storm threats in the Midwest.

Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides a comprehensive overview of the weather in Chicago and the broader Midwest. Tomorrow begins with partly cloudy conditions, promising a gentle start. While the Great Lakes revel in clear skies, looming storms near the Missouri-Kansas border hint at possible heavy rains and high winds approaching the Midwest. Stay tuned for updates on these developments and learn how to prepare effectively for varying weather conditions this week.
The Midwest is mostly calm with rain showers primarily impacting central Illinois near Springfield. Chicago and the surrounding areas remain clear, enjoying a respite from precipitation. A small cluster of storms is developing along the Missouri-Kansas border near Kansas City, moving northeast towards Des Moines. The Great Lakes region, including Detroit and Cleveland, is experiencing clear skies with no active weather systems. Some light rain is sneaking into western Kentucky, headed towards Bowling Green.
For tomorrow morning in Chicago, expect a cloudy start with temperatures gradually rising from 47 degrees at 8 AM to 49 degrees by 10 AM, reaching 52 degrees by noon. Winds will be from the northeast at 12 to 13 miles per hour.
Tomorrow, the Midwest will see a mix of comfortable highs, with many areas enjoying readings above average. Chicago will top out at 55 degrees, while farther south, St. Louis reaches a pleasant 75 degrees. Louisville and Indianapolis will also share highs of 72 degrees, showcasing a warming trend across the region. Kansas City is expected to hit 76 degrees, while Bowling Green warms up to a near-summery 79 degrees.
A cold front is approaching the Midwest, arriving over Kansas City by tomorrow afternoon. Expect thunderstorms with potential for heavy rain and gusty winds as the weather system moves eastward. By evening, storms will likely impact areas like St. Louis and Springfield, with a possibility of localized flooding due to intense downpours. Temperatures will drop following the frontal passage, bringing cooler conditions and clearing skies in the region. Stay alert for severe weather warnings, particularly in areas highlighted for potential storm activity.
The UV index in Chicago for today, May 18, 2025, is anticipated to be high at a level of 8, with potential sun exposure risks posing a quick burn time of just 17 minutes. By tomorrow, while still remaining high, the UV index will slightly decrease to 7, corresponding to a burn time of about 20 minutes.
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Sunday: Mostly clear skies with a pleasant high of 60 degrees and a low of 45. Monday: Expect some showers late in the day, with a high of 56 degrees and a low of 50. Tuesday: Showers continue, as temperatures reach a high of 55, cooling to 48 overnight. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, the high will be around 53 degrees, with a low of 44. Thursday: Partly cloudy conditions with the mercury rising to 53 degrees, dipping to 45 at night. Friday: The clouds continue to clear, bringing partly sunny weather with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 47. Saturday: Mostly clear skies, wrapping up the week nicely with temperatures peaking at 62 degrees and a nighttime low of 49.