Weather Forecast and Climate Update

Current Weather Conditions

OVERNIGHT: After the storms, conditions turn partly cloudy, breezy and mild. Winds: Southwest at 15-30 mph. Low: 65.

Another very warm, summerlike day is on tap Friday but with much less humidity compared to Thursday. The day will open with plenty of sunshine, but clouds will fill back in during the afternoon amid a gusty southwest wind that could reach 40 mph at times.

Isolated thunderstorms may “bubble up” in the unstable atmosphere later in the day and Friday evening. A few storms could be borderline severe, especially south and east of Chicago with hail and gusty winds being the biggest threats. A much greater risk for severe weather will occur well south of Chicago.

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Next Few Hours

Looking Ahead

Summerlike heat moves out, and far cooler conditions take hold for the foreseeable future beginning this weekend.

Jet stream winds by mid-next week shift northwest as a digging trough out of Canada brings much cooler, unsettled weather at times.

The forecast highs for the next five days and their departure from normal:

The forecast tracks more wet weather in the coming days, especially early next week

Total potential rainfall the next 7 days

Healthy rainfall amounts across the corn belt, Midwest and Great Lakes with beneficial 1-2” rainfall tallies likely

An unseasonably cool pattern takes shape for the Midwest and Northeast for the final 10 days of May 15, 2025

Forecast average full-day temperature departure from normal May 20 through 24:

Forecast average full-day temperature departure from normal May 25 through 29:

May’s warming trend

Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog

Conclusion

In conclusion, the weather forecast for the next few days is expected to be warm and sunny, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. However