This week in Chicago, be ready for a mixed bag of partly cloudy skies, potential thunderstorms, and pleasant temperatures. Perfect for planning a variety of outdoor or indoor activities!

From sunny afternoons reaching up to 86 degrees to storm-laden skies warning of heavy rain and thunder, Chicago’s weather this week offers a spectrum to discuss. With temperatures mostly hovering around the mid-80s but potentially diving at night, the scenario demands both sunscreen for daytime outings and an umbrella ready at hand. Preparing for variable conditions is key as we monitor a looming cold front that could bring showers and cooler air by the weekend. Remember, your sun safety is essential with a UV index hitting a high of 7; reapply sunscreen throughout your day! A line of storms is developing southwest of St. Louis, moving northeast towards Springfield and Des Moines. Showers are conspicuous around Fort Wayne, with light precipitation affecting Indianapolis and spreading toward Columbus. Clear skies prevail in Detroit and Cleveland, while Bowling Green and Louisville enjoy dry conditions for now. Sagging rain bands are hovering near Peoria, gradually advancing.
This afternoon in Chicago, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching 85 degrees around 6 PM. Winds will be from the west at 10 miles per hour, providing a gentle breeze. As the day progresses into the evening, temperatures will ease slightly to 83 degrees.
This afternoon in the Midwest, we’re seeing warm temperatures across the region. Indianapolis reaches a high of 89 degrees, while Chicago sits slightly cooler at 86. Over in St. Louis and Peoria, expect highs around 87 degrees. Kansas City checks in at 85, quite consistent with Springfield’s temperature. Notably, Charleston will be sizzling today with a high of 93 degrees, making it the warmest spot in the Midwest.
Tonight in the Midwest, temperatures will be on the mild side but a bit cooler than recent nights. Chicago is expected to drop to 67 degrees, while Des Moines will see a low of 67 as well. Indianapolis will have a comfortable low of 69 degrees, and Kansas City is projected to remain steady at 70. Keep an eye on Fort Wayne as it cools down to 63 degrees, the chilliest in this region.
Tomorrow in the Midwest, St. Louis is set to sizzle with a high of 90 degrees, while Indianapolis is not far behind at 88. Kansas City and Peoria will both see temperatures reach 86 degrees. Chicago will enjoy a warm afternoon at 85 degrees, while Fort Wayne comes in slightly lower at 84. Overall, temperatures are trending well above average for this time of year, influenced by a persistent warm front across the region.
A cold front is set to sweep through the Midwest, ushering in clusters of showers and isolated thunderstorms from Des Moines to Indianapolis. Moderate rainfall is anticipated, with a risk of strong gusty winds and frequent lightning, especially by later tomorrow. Keep an eye out for brief downpours that could affect weekend plans, particularly in urban areas like Chicago and Detroit. As the front passes, cooler and more stable air is expected to settle in by evening, bringing a drop in temperatures and clearer skies into the weekend. Be prepared for possible localized flooding in low-lying areas due to the steady rain throughout the day.
The UV index in Chicago is projected to be a high of 7 both today and tomorrow. Expect a sunburn in about 20 minutes if you’re outdoors. Take precautions with sunscreen and protective wear to enjoy your weekend safely!