NWS WEATHER
Atlanta84°FMostly SunnyBaltimore84°FClearBoston79°FCloudyCharlotte81°FClearChicago73°FMostly SunnyDallas82°FClearDenver55°FClearDetroit75°FCloudyHouston84°FMostly SunnyLos Angeles66°FMostly CloudyMiami84°FMostly SunnyMinneapolis70°FMostly CloudyNew York79°FClearOrlando81°FMostly CloudyPhiladelphia81°FPtly CloudyPhoenix82°FMostly SunnyPortland52°FClearRiverside63°FClearSacramento75°FClearSan Antonio80°FHazeSan Francisco63°FClearSeattle52°FClearSt. Louis77°FClearTampa82°FCloudyWashington86°FClearAtlanta84°FMostly SunnyBaltimore84°FClearBoston79°FCloudyCharlotte81°FClearChicago73°FMostly SunnyDallas82°FClearDenver55°FClearDetroit75°FCloudyHouston84°FMostly SunnyLos Angeles66°FMostly CloudyMiami84°FMostly SunnyMinneapolis70°FMostly CloudyNew York79°FClearOrlando81°FMostly CloudyPhiladelphia81°FPtly CloudyPhoenix82°FMostly SunnyPortland52°FClearRiverside63°FClearSacramento75°FClearSan Antonio80°FHazeSan Francisco63°FClearSeattle52°FClearSt. Louis77°FClearTampa82°FCloudyWashington86°FClear
Chicago, IL skyline — local weather forecast and conditions
Chicago, IL Photo: Ricky Beron
Weather Chicago, IL

Chicago Weather Today: Showers and Thunderstorms Likely With Damaging Winds

Best Window Monday: 64°F, Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain Risk Elevated
What To Wear / Bring Rain layer, water-resistant shoes, and a backup indoor plan
Useful Links Local forecast, radar, and relevant planning links
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Weather Window earns from qualifying purchases.

7-Day Forecast

Mon 64°Showers And ...
Tue 62°Partly Sunny
Wed 54°Chance Rain ...
Thu 56°Mostly Sunny
Fri 52°Partly Sunny
Sat 56°Sunny
Sun 65°Mostly Sunny

Chicago weather today brings showers and thunderstorms likely, with a high near 64°F and strong winds gusting up to 40 mph—so keep an eye on the radar if you’ve got plans around the city.

Here’s what’s happening: A powerful spring low pressure system is moving in from the southwest, and the National Weather Service forecasters tell us to expect multiple rounds of convection throughout the day. The first chance of rain showers kicks off around 11 AM CT, then the main event—showers and thunderstorms—becomes likely by early afternoon. The real concern comes this evening between 4 and 11 PM CT, when there’s a threat for severe weather, primarily damaging winds and hail.

If you’re heading to Guaranteed Rate Field for the Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels game today, bring a rain jacket and be prepared for wind. The storms should clear enough by game time, but conditions will be blustery. Grab some Official team gear on Fanatics to show your support while staying dry.

For those planning outdoor activities around Lincoln Park or along the lakefront, I’d strongly recommend postponing until later this week. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half inch are expected today, with another round of showers and thunderstorms before 1 AM CT tonight. If you absolutely need to be outside, wear layers—temperatures will drop from the low 60s this afternoon to around 52°F by morning.

The good news? Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band takes the stage at United Center on Wednesday, April 29, and the weather will be much better by then. Grab your Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band t-shirt, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band hoodie, or Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band hat to gear up for the show. Find tickets on SeatGeek or StubHub to secure your spot.

Allergy sufferers should note that with all this moisture and wind, pollen counts may spike before the storms. Consider keeping a Claritin non-drowsy allergy on hand to manage symptoms throughout the day.

For dinner tonight, I’d suggest staying in with a warm, comforting meal—maybe pasta or a hearty stir-fry that you can prepare indoors away from the weather. You can order groceries on Amazon Fresh and have everything delivered, so you won’t need to venture out during the storm window.

Looking ahead: Tuesday turns partly sunny with a high near 62°F and much lighter winds from the west. By midweek, we’re transitioning toward a cooler, drier pattern—perfect timing for outdoor plans heading into the weekend.

Live Radar — Chicago Area

Full interactive radar →
Live weather radar for Chicago, IL

Radar data from the National Weather Service