Rainy Wednesday in Chicago
The Chicago area woke up to a rainy Wednesday morning, with rain expected to continue through the morning commute and even into the afternoon and evening for some.
“The rain will be with us for several more hours,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said early Wednesday. “Just a rainy morning.”
The steady rain was also pounding down on roads and highways, with slick and slippery road conditions leading to crashes and slowdowns as rush hour picked up.
The rain comes after parts of the area were under severe weather storm watches and warnings Tuesday, leading to brief ground stops at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
No severe weather was expected Wednesday, Jeanes said, and the rain is much needed.
“We need the rain — crops, garden, grass. It’s been 62 days since we’ve had more than 0.62 inches of rain in a day,” Jeanes said. “We have had a rain deficit. Today, we may get over that [0.62 inches of rain].”
Improving Air Quality
The rain will also help to improve air quality after days of smoky and hazy skies from Canadian wildfires, Jeanes said. In Kenosha County, an air quality alert was still in effect.
According to Jeanes, rain totals Wednesday were expected to amount to half-an-inch to an inch.
Rain Timeline
Around 11 a.m., rain was still expected to fall across the area. By around 3 p.m., the rain will gradually come to an end, starting in counties to the west and north, Jeanes said.
In Chicago, as well as parts to the southeast and in Northwest Indiana however, it could last through the afternoon commute and into the evening. NBC 5 Storm Team forecast models showed rain still falling around 9 p.m. in northwest Indiana.
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures Wednesday will be the warmest in the morning, Jeanes said, with readings in the 60s and 70s. By afternoon, they’ll drop to the upper 50s along the lakefront.
Thursday will be a drier day, with lower humidity and more sunshine. High temperatures will be in the low 70s, but cooler along the lake, Jeanes said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area experienced a rainy Wednesday, with the rain expected to continue through the morning commute and into the afternoon and evening. The rain is much needed, and it will help to improve air quality after days of smoky and hazy skies from Canadian wildfires. Temperatures will be warmest in the morning, with readings in the 60s and 70s, and will drop to the upper 50s along the lakefront by afternoon.
FAQs
What is the forecast for Wednesday?
The forecast for Wednesday is rain, with the rain expected to continue through the morning commute and into the afternoon and evening.
Will there be severe weather on Wednesday?
No severe weather is expected on Wednesday, according to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes.
How much rain is expected on Wednesday?
Rain totals on Wednesday are expected to amount to half-an-inch to an inch, according to Jeanes.
What will the temperature be like on Wednesday?
Temperatures on Wednesday will be warmest in the morning, with readings in the 60s and 70s, and will drop to the upper 50s along the lakefront by afternoon.
What is the forecast for Thursday?
Thursday will be a drier day, with lower humidity and more sunshine, according to Jeanes. High temperatures will be in the low 70s, but cooler along the lake.
