Meteorologist Amy Freeze highlights the critical weather updates for the Midwest, including impending thunderstorms and significant temperature variations across different cities. Get the full scoop on what to expect and how to prepare in our detailed blog post.

As the Midwest braces itself for a wave of severe weather conditions, Amy Freeze provides an in-depth look at the evolving meteorological patterns. From heavy rainfall potentially leading to localized flooding to drastic temperature shifts, this blog covers all necessary precautions and weather predictions essential for the residents of the Midwest. Detailed daily forecasts for cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Kansas City are included to help plan your week ahead effectively. The Midwest radar reveals a significant cluster of storms moving through central Missouri, particularly affecting areas around St. Louis with severe weather conditions. Showers and thunderstorms are extending towards Peoria, with the cluster pushing northeastward. Rain bands are stretching towards Springfield and Des Moines, although intensity decreases moving towards these areas.
Temperatures in Chicago this afternoon remain steady at 54 degrees with an east-northeast wind at 14 mph. Cloud cover will persist through the afternoon, maintaining a cloudy sky into the evening hours. By 8 PM, temperatures slightly rise to 55 degrees with wind increasing to 16 mph from the east.
Today’s regional high temperatures in the Midwest show some interesting contrasts. In Chicago, expect a cool high of 55 degrees, while Indianapolis will be a bit warmer, reaching 75. Farther south, Louisville is enjoying a pleasant 81 degrees, and Bowling Green is even warmer at 84. Meanwhile, Kansas City sees a cooler day with a high of only 61 degrees. Over in St. Louis, temps rise to 77 degrees.
Tonight, the Midwest is bracing for a cool down, Chicago will see a chilly night at 43 degrees, while Indianapolis is expected to dip to 45. Peoria will have a low of 45 degrees as well, and Kansas City remains relatively warmer at 57 degrees. Over in Columbus, temperatures will fall to 48, with Fort Wayne close behind at 43.
Tomorrow, the Midwest will experience a mix of temperatures with many areas reaching above-average readings. Kansas City and Springfield are expected to hit a warm 75 degrees, while Indianapolis will see a mild high of 64. Chicago is on the cooler side with a high of only 57 degrees, reflecting some lingering cool air in the region. Louisville will enjoy a pleasant 73 degrees, and out east, Charleston is poised to warm up to a balmy 81.
A powerful line of thunderstorms is expected to move from Kansas City through St. Louis overnight, bringing heavy downpours and damaging winds across much of the Midwest. By tomorrow, these storms will reach Indianapolis and Columbus, with potential severe weather including isolated tornadoes. Rainfall totals may exceed two inches, leading to localized flooding concerns. Expect cool temperatures behind the front, with a significant drop by 10 degrees across the region by Tuesday.
The UV index in Chicago is expected to be low today, with a level of 3 due to cloud cover from a storm system, making sunburn risks minimal. Heading into Monday, there’s a slight increase to a moderate level of 4.