From unexpected sunshine to impending storms, Amy Freeze covers the fluctuating conditions of Midwest weather. Catch up on the essential forecasts for a week filled with weather surprises.

Hello there, weather enthusiasts! Amy Freeze here with an in-depth look at the Midwest’s changing weather landscape. Tonight in Chicago, expect clear skies but don’t put your jackets away yet. A detailed look across the region shows everything from rain in Kentucky to snow borders in Iowa. Tune in as we brace for thunderstorms and chilly winds, marking a dynamic week ahead. With professional insights and tips, you’ll be prepared whatever the weather!
A regional overview of the Midwest shows a diverse range of weather conditions. Rain is falling across parts of eastern Kentucky, stretching into West Virginia, with Charleston experiencing steady precipitation. Indianapolis looks clear at the moment, as does much of central and southern Indiana. In northern Illinois and parts of Iowa, snow is visibly settling, impacting places like Des Moines and peeking into the Peoria area, although no significant systems are expected in St. Louis or Springfield. Overall, the Midwest is a patchwork of clear skies interspersed with active weather cells, with the heaviest activity concentrated in eastern and northern fringes.
For this evening in Chicago, anticipate clear skies with temperatures starting at 49 degrees around 8 PM, cooling slightly to 47 degrees by 10 PM, and rising slightly to 48 degrees by midnight. Winds from the south-southwest will prevail, maintaining a steady 16 to 15 miles per hour, keeping the evening air brisk.
Now for the low temperatures in the Midwest. Expect a chilly night ahead, with Chicago dropping to 51 degrees. Des Moines will be a bit cooler at 42, while Indianapolis sits at 52. Fort Wayne forecasts a low of 52 as well. Look for Springfield to remain mild at 59. The real chill hits Kansas City with a low of 59 degrees, a notable drop from the day’s highs. In the heart of the region, St. Louis will also report a low of 59. Keep your jackets close, especially in the northern areas as cold air settles in overnight.
High temperatures across the Midwest tomorrow are shaping up to be quite pleasant, with many areas seeing above-average readings. In Kansas City, expect a high of 81 degrees, setting the stage for a warm day. Springfield will also enjoy a comfortable 78 degrees. Moving east, St. Louis scores 79 degrees, while Peoria reaches 74. Indianapolis will see highs of 72, and further north in Chicago, temperatures will hit around 62 degrees. As for the rest of the region, expect Louisville to warm up to 75 degrees and Bowling Green to see a high of 77. To the northeast, Columbus is forecasted at 71 degrees, with Cleveland slightly cooler at 66 degrees. Fort Wayne is expected to reach a high of 68 degrees.
“As a cold front approaches the Midwest, anticipate rain showers moving across St. Louis and Springfield this evening, with thunderstorms likely impacting Des Moines and Peoria into tomorrow. Chicago and Fort Wayne should brace for rain mixed with thunderstorms overnight. Keep an eye out for potential severe weather in the region, particularly impacting Detroit through early Tuesday. Expect temperatures to drop behind the front, with cooler air settling across Indianapolis and Columbus. Prepare for gusty winds and possible localized flooding with this system, as more than an inch of rain could accumulate by Wednesday.”
The UV index in Chicago is moderate today with a value of 4, meaning you’ll have about 35 minutes before a burn might set in. For Tuesday, the index drops to 3, with cloudy skies further reducing exposure. Enjoy your plans, but remember to protect your skin on brighter days!
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Monday: Clear skies with a high of 54 degrees and a low of 45. Tuesday: Cloudy with temperatures reaching 64 degrees and dropping to 52 degrees overnight. Wednesday: Keep an umbrella handy! Rain possibly mixing with snow, with a high of 61 degrees and a low of 34. Thursday: Mostly clear with a high of 44 degrees and a low of 32. Friday: Cloudy conditions, seeing the temperature rise to 57 degrees and a low of 40. Saturday: A partly cloudy day with a high of 49 degrees, cooling to 36 at night. Sunday: Showers are expected, with the high around 48 degrees and a low of 38.