Get ready, Chicago! This week’s forecast calls for clear skies and rising temperatures, cresting near 98°F before a refreshing cold front brings rain and relief.

As Chicago prepares for one of the hottest weeks of the summer, with temperatures peaking near 98°F, locals and visitors alike should plan ahead. Evening sees a dip into the mid-60s, promising pleasant nights following hot days. With a cold front approaching, expect a tumultuous turn midweek as thunderstorms bring potential severe conditions and much-needed rainfall. The upcoming weather not only shifts the atmosphere but also necessitates preparedness for sudden weather changes.
A calm morning prevails across much of the Midwest, with clear skies dominating the landscape from Des Moines through to Indianapolis. The northeastern edge near Cleveland is witnessing a mix of light showers. The rest of the region remains dry, including cities like Chicago and St. Louis, setting the stage for a tranquil day ahead. Keep an eye on Detroit as clouds may increase later in the afternoon, though significant precipitation is not anticipated.
For this evening in Chicago, temperatures will start at 91 degrees at 9 PM, gradually cooling to 84 degrees by 1 AM. Expect clear skies throughout the night with a warm south-southwest wind at 14 mph, calming slightly to 11 mph as the evening progresses. Perfect weather if you’re planning to enjoy the clear night sky.
Tonight, temperatures across the Midwest will see significant drops, with Des Moines dipping to 69 degrees. Kansas City will experience a low of 75, while St. Louis remains slightly warmer at 77 degrees. Indianapolis and Fort Wayne will both settle at 75 degrees. Expect temperatures in Chicago to reach 76 degrees, indicating a mild night overall for the region.
Tomorrow in Chicago, expect a sizzling high of 98 degrees, significantly above average for this time of year. Indianapolis and Columbus are also looking at highs near 97 degrees, reflecting a trend of elevated temperatures across the Midwest. St. Louis will warm up to 98 degrees, and Kansas City will see a high of 93 degrees. Fort Wayne and Peoria are both projected to hit 96 degrees, while Louisville isn’t far behind at 97 degrees.
A cold front is approaching the Midwest, arriving late Tuesday night. Expect thunderstorms with potential severe wind gusts across St. Louis, Springfield, and Peoria through early Wednesday morning. Heavy rainfall may cause localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas of Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Temperatures will drop significantly post-front, with Wednesday seeing a cooler trend across Chicago and Detroit. After the front passes, expect clearer, more stable conditions moving into Wednesday afternoon.
The UV index in Chicago is very high this Sunday and Monday, reaching a level of 9 with a burn time of just 15 minutes in direct sunlight.
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Sunday: Clear skies with plenty of sunshine, reaching a high of 98 degrees and a low of 78 degrees. Monday: Partly cloudy, maintaining a high of 98 degrees, cooling to 76 at night. Tuesday: Showers develop with temperatures peaking at 87 degrees and dipping to a low of 68. Wednesday: Expect showers late in the day, with a cooler high of 82 degrees and a low of 73. Thursday: Partly cloudy conditions, warming back up to 91 degrees during the day, and a low of 75 at night. Friday: Partly cloudy skies continue with highs around 87 degrees and cooling to 70 later on. Saturday: Finishing the week partly cloudy, with a daytime high of 85 degrees and a nighttime low of 71.