Chicago, IL – Residents across the Chicago metro area should remain on high alert today as moderate flooding continues along the Des Plaines River while new weather threats develop overhead. While the afternoon features a warm high of 75 degrees, the environment is turning volatile. A 40 percent chance of thunderstorms is expected to develop after 4 p.m. Tuesday, specifically threatening the evening commute on the Kennedy and Dan Ryan Expressways with sudden downpours and wind gusts as high as 30 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, Flood Warnings remain in effect for the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines and Lincolnshire, where the river has reached a stage of 18.2 feet. Moderate flooding is occurring, inundating backyard areas and threatening local roads near US-45. Additionally, the NWS warns of an elevated fire risk this afternoon south of I-80, where low humidity and stiff southwesterly breezes could allow any brush fire to spread quickly before the evening rains arrive.
The active pattern doesn’t end tonight, as patchy fog is expected to settle over the city early Wednesday morning, potentially dropping visibility for the sunrise drive. Temperatures will take a sharp dip Wednesday with a high of only 57 degrees as winds shift to the northeast off Lake Michigan. This “lake effect” cooling will be a stark contrast to today’s warmth, requiring a quick wardrobe adjustment for those working in the Loop.
Conditions will rebound by Thursday with highs near 78 degrees before a more significant line of thunderstorms moves in Friday. For now, property owners along the Des Plaines River should continue to monitor water levels, and commuters should prepare for a windy, potentially stormy drive home this evening.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, IL
- Tuesday: Mostly Sunny then Chance T-storms, High 75
- Wednesday: Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny, High 57
- Thursday: Mostly Sunny, High 78
- Friday: Showers and Thunderstorms Likely, High 74
- Saturday: Mostly Sunny, High 60
