Expect a dynamic weather day in the Midwest with Amy Freeze detailing storm paths, temperature changes, and what to expect in your city.

Meteorologist Amy Freeze brings you the latest on the Midwest’s weather for 04/18/2025. From intense thunderstorms moving across major cities to cooler nights and regional warmth, discover how tomorrow’s weather could affect your plans and well-being with a detailed, insightful analysis. Don’t forget to stay prepared for fluctuating conditions and check out our safety tips!
A mix of rain and thunderstorms is sweeping across the Midwest with radar indicating significant activity. Heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms are currently drenching St. Louis and moving towards Louisville. More intense cells can also be spotted near Peoria, indicating potential for localized severe weather. Kansas City to Indianapolis is seeing mostly cloudy skies as the rain band continues its eastward progression.
Chicago starts tomorrow morning mostly cloudy with a temperature of 59 degrees at 8 AM. By mid-morning at 10 AM, temperatures rise to 64 degrees as winds shift to the south-southwest at 16 miles per hour. Expect a consistent cloud cover to persist, keeping skies mostly cloudy. The breeze picks up slightly, reaching 18 miles per hour by noon, with the temperature approaching 68 degrees.
Tomorrow’s high temperatures in the Midwest exhibit a mix of seasonal warmth and regional variability. Chicago will reach 75 degrees, while Indianapolis enjoys a warm 81. St. Louis and Peoria will both see highs of 82 degrees, indicative of above-average temperatures for this time of year. Kansas City is cooler at 66 degrees, slightly below normal for mid-April. Louisville and Bowling Green also reflect warm conditions, with highs of 82, leading to a pleasant day across much of the region.
A cold front approaches the Midwest by mid-morning Thursday, bringing showers from Des Moines to Fort Wayne. Expect rain to develop, with a few thunderstorms possible, primarily in northern Illinois and Indiana. Temperatures will hover around seasonal averages but will dip slightly behind the front. Storms could disrupt travel in the Chicago area, so plan accordingly.
Today in Chicago, we’re seeing a UV index of 4, which means the sun poses a moderate risk. It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen, and you can expect a burn time of approximately 35 minutes if exposed to direct sunlight. As we move into tomorrow, the UV index will increase to 5, shortening the burn time to about 27 minutes.
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Friday: Cloudy skies with a high of 77 degrees and a low of 49 degrees. Saturday: Thunderstorms early with a cooler high of 55 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. Sunday: Remaining cloudy, with temperatures reaching 53 degrees and a low of 51 degrees. Monday: Rain persists, bringing a high of 57 degrees and a low of 43 degrees. Tuesday: Partly cloudy and slightly warmer with a high of 64 degrees and a low of 53 degrees. Wednesday: Partly cloudy conditions continue, seeing a high of 71 degrees and a low of 50 degrees. Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a daytime high of 60 degrees and a nighttime low of 49 degrees.