Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
Current Conditions
The current weather conditions are characterized by a cold front draped south of Chicago in southern Illinois, with Canadian High Pressure to the north taking hold of the weather scene. This has resulted in a cooler and less humid environment, with winds blowing at a speed of 5-15 mph from the northeast.
The current temperatures in the metro area are shown in the image below.
The Next Few Hours
For the next few hours, the weather is expected to remain cool and less humid, with plenty of sunshine. However, some cloudiness is expected to arrive towards or just beyond lunchtime, filtering the sun at times.
The feels-like temperature in the metro area is shown in the image below.
Extended Outlook
Thursday night is expected to be clearing, cooler, and less humid, with winds blowing at a speed of 5-15 mph from the northeast. The low temperature is expected to be around 56 degrees, with some areas experiencing temperatures closer to 50 degrees.
Friday Highs
Friday is expected to be a much cooler day, with highs ranging from the lower 70s inland to the upper 60s near Lake Michigan. These readings are about 10 degrees below normal for late August.
Friday Wind Gust Forecast
Northeast winds traveling down the length of Lake Michigan will continue to produce high waves and dangerous boating conditions into Friday afternoon before some improvement.
Friday Wave Forecast
The day begins with 5-6 foot waves but they slowly subside, diminishing to about 3 feet Friday afternoon.
NWS Statement on Waves and High Swim Risk
Friday Sunburn Forecast
Weather Maps
For more information on the current weather conditions and forecast, please refer to the weather maps below.
Climate & Environment
The climate and environment news can be found on the WGN Weather Center blog.
Interactive Radar
The interactive radar can be found on the WGN Weather Center website.
Weather Bug Cameras
The weather bug cameras can be found on the WGN Weather Center website.
7-Day Outlook
The 7-day outlook is shown in the image below.
Weather Center Newsletter
The weather center newsletter can be found on the WGN Weather Center website.
Chicago Forecast Highs and How Far from Normal
Temperatures are expected to moderate close to normal over the long holiday weekend following a cool Friday.
Forecast Average Temperature Anomaly Through September 3
On average, below normal temperatures are expected to dominate across the central U.S. to the Great Lakes and Northeast as we end August and move forward into September.
Forecast Average Temperature Anomaly: September 4 Through September 10
A continued strong signal for much below normal temperatures is expected from the central U.S. into the Midwest and Great Lakes.
Forecast 500 mb Upper Air 10-day GIF
Model support is consistent in developing a powerful series of troughs (lobes of chilly air) into next weekend centered over the Great Lakes. This type of pattern in late Fall or Winter would be quite cold and even snowy.
