Meteorologist Amy Freeze delivers insightful details on the varying weather conditions across Chicago. From sunny days to impending storms, get prepared with our latest updates.

Hello Chicago! Meteorologist Amy Freeze here with your comprehensive guide to this week’s Midwest weather highlights. Expect a range of conditions from gentle breezes to heavy showers across the region, with critical insights into temperature fluctuations and storm predictions. Join me as we explore how these changes will affect your week and what precautions you can take. Remember, always stay weather aware! Heavy rain showers are sweeping across the northern Midwest, reaching areas like Chicago and Detroit with steady precipitation. Fort Wayne and Indianapolis are experiencing a band of rain moving northeastward, suggesting a wet afternoon ahead. Peoria and Des Moines are seeing sporadic showers, indicating a lull between storm systems. In Cleveland, light rain is coming off the Great Lakes, with cloud cover extending to Bowling Green. St. Louis and Springfield are enjoying a break with clear skies, as the precipitation stays mostly to the north and east.
Afternoon temperatures in Chicago will hover around 64 degrees at 4 PM, reaching 65 degrees by 6 PM with mostly cloudy skies. Winds are coming from the west-southwest at 13 miles per hour, shifting to the west at 11 miles per hour as the evening progresses. By 8 PM, temperatures cool to 60 degrees with winds from the west-northwest at 8 miles per hour under cloudy conditions.
Today, the Midwest is seeing a range of high temperatures across the region. Chicago and Des Moines are both sitting at a cooler 66 degrees, while Peoria warms up slightly to 68. Moving south, St. Louis enjoys a more comfortable high of 75 degrees, and Kansas City reaches 70. On the other end of the spectrum, Louisville and Columbus are experiencing warmer conditions, with highs of 76 and 78 degrees, respectively. Notably, Charleston stands out with a toasty 85 degrees, highlighting a stark contrast to the cooler temperatures further north. Expect a mix of sunshine and clouds as the day progresses.
Tonight in Kansas City will experience a low of 46. Indianapolis is slightly milder at 54 degrees, but further east in Columbus, temperatures will cool to 57.
High temperatures for tomorrow in the Midwest are looking robust, with several cities reporting above-average readings. Chicago will see a high of 52 degrees, slightly cooler than usual. Meanwhile, Kansas City is forecasted to hit 65 degrees, while St. Louis reaches 67. Indianapolis and Columbus enjoy warmer highs at 72 and 74 degrees, respectively. Charleston, West Virginia, tops the list with a warm 82 degrees, making it a standout in the region.
A significant weather pattern is poised to impact the Midwest, with thunderstorms approaching from the west. By late Thursday, expect these storms to arrive over areas including Des Moines and Chicago, potentially bringing heavy rain and gusty winds. Fort Wayne and Indianapolis will see increased precipitation as the storm tracks eastward overnight, raising concerns for localized flooding. The system is expected to pass through with cooler temperatures following, providing relief from the recent warmth. Monitor for severe weather alerts, especially concerning high winds and potential flooding in low-lying areas.
The UV index in Chicago will be moderate on Thursday with a value of 4, suggesting a burn time of about 35 minutes under direct sunlight. On Friday, the UV index climbs to 6, reducing the burn time to 23 minutes.