Weather Forecast for Memorial Day Weekend
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend should be mostly dry and sunny around Chicagoland, at least after some morning cloud cover and showers clear out.
But the lengthy stretch of cool weather continues, even as we mark the unofficial first weekend of summer.
WGN-TV Weather Producer Bill Snyder explains the below-average temperatures. We’re getting cloud cover and some scattered showers around the area early Sunday. Most areas should see clearing by later Sunday morning, though some areas in the southern part of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana could see clouds and showers linger into the early afternoon.
Winds will remain calm out of the east/northeast, but the direction will once again create lakeside cooling. And it’ll remain cool overall yet again around Chicagoland, with inland highs in the mid-60s and lakeside highs in the upper 50s, still well below typical Memorial Day weekend temperatures. That doesn’t look to change much on Monday for Memorial Day itself, though temps could be a touch warmer than Sunday.
If you’re tired of the cool temps and aching for some more summer-like conditions, though, we have good news: Temps look to perk back up to more normal levels by the end of the coming work week. See more below.
Beach Forecast
Believe it or not, the city’s beaches have officially opened for the season, but use caution: Water temperatures are on the colder side, around 56 degrees.
Those who swim in water between 35 and 60 degrees could suffer from “cold water shock,” which is when the cold water triggers an involuntary gasp and can cause swallowing of water or drowning.
We doubt many people will need to cool off in Lake Michigan from the chillier-than-normal temps this weekend, but if you do jump in, extra caution is urged.
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Looking Ahead
The extended outlook for Chicagoland calls for on-and-off showers on Tuesday, with mostly cloudy skies and temps still in the mid-60s. Wednesday then calls for some light rain at times, with high temps only in the lower 60s.
Finally, we’re back into the seasonal 70s for Thursday and into the last days of May! The warmer temps also come with a slight chance of showers each day at the end of the coming week. And while rain dampers outdoor plans, we do need it, because Chicagoland has been mired in dry conditions recently.
As the 7-day forecast shows, by next weekend we could see temps back into the mid-70s, as we flip the calendar from May to June.
Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog
Conclusion
In conclusion, the weather forecast for Memorial Day weekend is looking mostly dry and sunny, but cool. Temperatures will remain below average, with inland highs in the mid-60s and lakeside highs in the upper 50s. However, temps are expected to perk back up to more normal levels by the end of the coming work week. It’s also important to exercise caution when swimming in Lake Michigan, as water temperatures are on the colder side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the weather forecast for Memorial Day weekend?
A: The weather forecast for Memorial Day weekend is looking mostly dry and sunny, but cool. Temperatures will remain below average, with inland highs in the mid-60s and lakeside highs in the upper 50s.
Q: Are the beaches open for the season?
A: Yes, the city’s beaches have officially opened for the season, but use caution: Water temperatures are on the colder side, around 56 degrees.
Q: What are the chances of rain for the coming week?
A: There is a slight chance of showers each day at the end of the coming week, with on-and-off showers on Tuesday and light rain at times on Wednesday.
Q: Will temperatures return to normal by the end of the week?
A: Yes, temperatures are expected to perk back up to more normal levels by the end of the coming work week, with highs in the seasonal 70s by Thursday.
