Scorching Heat Persists, Rain Expected by Weekend for Chicago

Photo byNational Weather Service

Chicago set to sizzle in a prolonged heat wave, but relief is on the way.

Hot Days Ahead for Chicago, Rain Likely by Friday

CHICAGO — Issued by the National Weather Service at 2:01 AM on September 17, 2024.

Heat Wave Continues Through Thursday

Chicago is bracing for more hot and dry conditions as temperatures are expected to remain in the mid to upper 80s through Thursday, with slightly cooler temperatures near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Sunny skies, low humidity, and light winds will dominate the forecast, creating ideal conditions for daily lake breezes and the occasional morning ground fog in northeastern Illinois.

Rain Chances Increase by Friday

By Thursday night, humidity levels will begin to rise as a warm sector from an occluding cyclone in Manitoba moves eastward into the Great Lakes region. This shift will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms to parts of Iowa and Wisconsin, which may extend into northwestern Illinois by Friday morning. Although rain coverage is expected to be sparse, isolated showers and storms could develop by mid-afternoon on Friday, with highs still lingering in the mid to upper 80s.

Weekend Weather: A Return to Showers and Cooler Temps

Looking ahead to the weekend, weather models predict a pattern change with regular chances for showers and thunderstorms, along with a gradual decrease in temperatures. This shift should provide some relief from the extended heat wave that has settled over the region.

Aviation Impact: Mild and Calm Conditions

For those traveling by air, light east winds are forecast to calm early in the morning, picking up slightly by mid-morning. A lake breeze will pass through the Chicago terminals in the afternoon, with winds expected to diminish to light and variable by Wednesday morning. Some shallow ground fog may develop early in the morning, mainly in far northeast Illinois and southeast Wisconsin, though no significant impact on flight operations is anticipated.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

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