This week in Chicago, expect a mix of clear skies and stormy weather. Get the full forecast and tips on how to stay safe during severe conditions.

As Chicago enjoys a sunny high of 80°F, severe thunderstorms threaten the Midwest. Learn more about these contrasting conditions and prepare for rapid weather changes from sunny days to stormy evenings. We cover safety precautions and provide a detailed forecast for the coming days, including temperature highs and storm warnings. A line of severe thunderstorms is moving across Iowa, with Des Moines currently experiencing intense storm activity. The storms are advancing eastward towards Peoria, bringing heavy rain and potentially strong winds. In the Midwest, Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland are presently clear, offering dry conditions for the day. Meanwhile, light showers are drifting around Kansas City, offering a gentle rainfall to the area.
Chicago this afternoon will see temperatures peaking at 80 degrees with an east-northeast wind around 9 miles per hour. Skies start mostly sunny, transitioning to partly cloudy by 6 PM. As the evening progresses, expect it to become mostly cloudy with temperatures gently dropping to 78 degrees by 8 PM.
Afternoon high temperatures across the Midwest are warming up nicely. Kansas City leads the pack with a sizzling 94 degrees, closely followed by St. Louis at 93. In Chicago, we’re looking at a delightful high of 80 degrees, while Indianapolis is heating up to 89. A warm trend continues in Peoria with a high of 89 as well, and Louisville rounds it out at 90 degrees. This warmth is accentuated by clear skies, creating a stark contrast with the cooler readings further north.
Tonight, Chicago will see a low of 74 degrees. Kansas City cools down to 71, while Indianapolis will hover around 73. St. Louis is expected to reach a low of 74, and Louisville will also stay mild at 73. Expect slightly cooler conditions in Fort Wayne, with a low of 71 degrees.
Tomorrow in the Midwest, expect to see temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and low 90s. St. Louis leads the pack with a sizzling high of 96 degrees, while Kansas City is set for 93. Further north, Chicago will enjoy a comfortable 85 degrees, contrasting with Peoria’s warmer 92. Indianapolis and Louisville are both aligned closely, with highs of 89 degrees, showcasing a slight trend above seasonal averages. Overall, this warm air is being pushed into the Midwest by a robust high-pressure system, leading to clear skies and sunshine throughout the region.
A cold front is pushing through the Midwest, bringing scattered thunderstorms from Des Moines to Springfield overnight. Expect gusty winds and localized heavy rain, particularly near Peoria by mid-morning. As the system progresses eastward, Chicago and Fort Wayne will see increased storm activity by late afternoon. Keep an eye on potential severe weather from Indianapolis to Louisville, where isolated strong storms could develop. Cooling temperatures will follow the front, offering relief by late Thursday into Friday.
The UV index in Chicago is high today, Thursday, with a level of 9, leading to a burn time of just 15 minutes. For Friday, the UV index lowers slightly to 7, with a burn time of 20 minutes. Be sure to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to stay safe outdoors!