Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
Introduction to Current Conditions
The current weather conditions are characterized by increasing cloudiness and warmer temperatures, with a bit more humidity. There is a possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the predawn hours of Saturday. The winds are expected to be southeast at 5-10 mph, with a low of 66 degrees.
The Next Few Hours
The next few hours will see the weekend opening with extensive cloud coverage and the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Chicago area in a level 1 of 5 or Marginal Risk for the potential of seeing a strong or severe thunderstorm.
Should this occur, it will be very localized and the main threat will be an isolated strong wind gust or possibly some small hail.
Forecast: Radar Simulation
Saturday 3:00 a.m.
Saturday 5:00 a.m.
Saturday after 7:00 a.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.
Saturday 530 p.m.
Saturday Morning Lows and Afternoon Temperatures
Saturday Morning Lows
Far warmer than it’s been at any time in the past three weeks thanks to more cloud cover and increased humidity.
Saturday Afternoon Temperatures
Wide range in temperatures expected across the area due to clouds/possible showers and southeast lake breezes. Huge bust potential with some areas far south/west close to 90-degrees while areas close to the lake may only reach the low 70s.
Saturday U.S. High Temperatures
Intense late season heat across the heart of the Midwest, including portions of Iowa where temperatures may approach the century mark. Overall, more than 79 million U.S. residents to see readings at or above 90-degrees.
Weather Maps and Climate & Environment
Weather Maps
Climate & Environment
Interactive Radar and Weather Bug Cameras
Interactive Radar
Weather Bug Cameras
7-Day Outlook and Weather Center Newsletter
7-Day Outlook
Weather Center Newsletter
Current Conditions and Next Few Hours
Current Conditions
Next Few Hours
Extended Outlook
Forecast Upper Level Winds Sunday
A classic Omega Block Pattern (named due to the pattern that resembles the Greek letter Omega) is taking shape as Chicago and the Midwest sit under a warm ridge of high pressure while the cooler, unsettled trough pattern takes place across portions of the west and Northeastern U.S.
Temperatures will continue well above normal as we move forward into next week, but there will be day to day lake breezes cooling areas near Lake Michigan several degrees from what you’re seeing here.
Chicago Forecast Highs & Departures from Normal
Chicago Humidity Forecast
Spike in humidity on Saturday thanks to the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms otherwise humidity levels in the comfortable to moderately humid range.
Forecast Average Temperature Anomaly: September 12 through 18
Greatest area of above normal temperatures forecast across the Midwest north into the Prairie Provinces of Canada while unsettled weather keeps it cooler than normal across the Southeastern U.S.
Forecast Average Temperature Anomaly: September 19 through 25
While still above normal for much of the U.S., the temperature surplus is not as high as the previous week. A transition to cooler weather is likely at the end of this forecast period.
Forecast Total Rainfall through Friday, September 19
The bulk of the rain that is forecast to fall across the Chicago area will take place
