The region is bracing for a sizzling stretch of summer weather, with heat, humidity, and storm chances dominating the forecast through the weekend. Record-challenging warmth is expected midweek, followed by a possible break in the heat as a cold front moves in Friday.
Tuesday: Foggy Start, Sticky Finish
Tuesday morning will begin with patchy fog in some areas due to rising humidity and overnight lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. As the sun rises, skies will become partly cloudy, and afternoon highs are expected to climb into the upper 80s. The humidity will steadily increase throughout the day, setting the stage for intense heat midweek.
Wednesday and Thursday: Record-Challenging Heat
Wednesday could tie or surpass the all-time high of 97°F for July 23, a record set in 2012. Highs are forecast in the upper 90s, and overnight lows may struggle to dip below the upper 70s, especially if cloud cover persists Wednesday night.
Thursday looks nearly identical, with oppressive heat and sticky humidity blanketing the region. Southwest winds will spread the heat all the way to the lake shore, offering little relief for coastal residents.
Friday: Cold Front and Storm Threat
A cold front is expected to arrive early Friday morning, bringing a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms before sunrise, particularly in northern Cook County. The front is forecast to stall near I-80, sparking spotty storms throughout the day, but temperatures will still climb into the upper 80s.
Weekend Outlook: Heat Builds Back
Saturday will stay warm and humid with highs in the upper 80s, and another round of scattered afternoon storms is possible. By Sunday, the heat intensifies again, with highs in the low 90s and the potential for brief thunderstorms later in the day.
The Heat Index measures how hot it really feels by combining air temperature and humidity. As humidity rises, sweat evaporates less efficiently, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
As the heat wave takes hold, residents are urged to remain weather-aware, limit outdoor activity, and check in on the elderly and vulnerable. With record temperatures possible and storms in the mix, the week ahead demands vigilance and preparation.
