Wednesday’s official 87° high temp equaled the warmest day of the month (87° on Sept. 5).  The warmth was accompanied by 100% of the day’s possible hazy sunshine.  A few locations in the metro area even reached 90°

The warmth encompassed much of the Midwest with high temperatures more typical of July than September, well above normal.

It’s been bone dry across the metro area so far this month—a trend that is not likely to change in the next week.

Forecast rainfall through next Wednesday, September 18 ^th

Chicago’s September 2024 rainfall to-date

Hazy skies due to wildfire smoke aloft to continue at times into Thursday before the densest smoke pulls away from the Chicago area on Friday

Wednesday evening smoke analysis and the forecast:

6-10 DAY temp outlook: Sept. 17-21, 2024

Chicago and much of the Midwest at the epicenter of the greatest likelihood of seeing above normal temperatures.

Lake Michigan water temperatures are on the slow decline, but Thursday promises to be an ideal beach day—if you’re fortunate enough to have the day off!

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.