Chicago basks in sunny skies today with gentle winds. But don’t put away your umbrellas yet – a looming cold front promises a stormy Friday. Stay updated with Amy Freeze’s detailed forecasts!

Today in Chicago, enjoy the pleasant 58 degrees with sunshine aplenty. But, as the week progresses, expect significant changes. A cold front moving overnight brings potential severe weather, including storms and cooler temperatures. This guide covers what the Midwest can anticipate from the changing atmosphere, including a detailed 7-day forecast for the region. Protect yourself from high UV exposure this Thursday and Friday by wearing sunscreen and suitable clothing. Navigate through this whirlwind of temperatures and conditions with Amy Freeze’s expert insights! The Midwest is enjoying mostly clear conditions today, with no active weather systems affecting the region significantly. Rain and thunderstorms have moved to the east, with areas like Cleveland and Detroit experiencing the tail end of showers. Fort Wayne and Indianapolis are under partly cloudy skies, while Louisville and St. Louis enjoy sunny weather. As you move westward towards Kansas City, conditions remain clear and pleasant.
Sunny skies are in store for Chicago this afternoon, with temperatures holding steady at 58 degrees. Winds will be gentle, coming from the northeast at around 8 miles per hour, gradually shifting to easterly by evening.
Today in the Midwest, we’re seeing a range of high temperatures with some notable contrasts. In Kansas City, the temperature will reach a comfortable 77 degrees. Over in Indianapolis, expect a high of 69 degrees, while Cincinnati will warm up to 64. Farther south, St. Louis and Peoria are both forecasting highs of 73 degrees, making it a pleasant day for outdoor activities. Cleveland stands out as the coolest spot at only 55 degrees, reflecting a sharp contrast with the warmer temperatures to the south.
Expect a chilly night across the Midwest, with lows dipping into the upper 40s and low 50s. Indianapolis will experience a low of 51 degrees, while Chicago is forecasted to drop to 46. In Fort Wayne, temperatures will cool down to 48 degrees. St. Louis and Kansas City will see minimums of 52 and 55, respectively. Temperatures in places like Peoria and Cleveland will fall to 48 and 49 degrees, emphasizing the cool air settling in for the night.
Tomorrow, the Midwest will experience above-average high temperatures across the region. Des Moines will lead with a warm 86 degrees, while St. Louis is expected to hit 78. Further east, Indianapolis reaches 80 degrees and Columbus sees a high of 76. Peoria will enjoy a pleasant 85 degrees, and Chicago may feel a bit cooler at 68.
A cold front moves into the Midwest overnight, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms across the region. Expect strong storms with possible heavy downpours from Des Moines to Indianapolis. Cooler temperatures will follow, dropping 10 to 15 degrees behind the front. Areas like Chicago and Detroit should prepare for potential severe weather on Friday afternoon, with gusty winds as the front pushes through. Rain is likely to taper off by Saturday morning, setting the stage for a sunny weekend across the Midwest.
The UV index in Chicago is projected to be very high at 8 on both Thursday and Friday. This means a quick burn time of about 17 minutes in direct sunlight, so be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to guard against sun exposure! Be particularly mindful if you plan to be outdoors during peak sun hours.