Chicago, Illinois – As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, Chicago and much of Illinois are preparing for a mix of sizzling heat and sporadic thunderstorms. The combination of high temperatures, humidity, and storm chances could affect holiday plans across the state, especially for those spending time outdoors.
Thunderstorms Thursday Evening, But Relief for the Holiday
According to the National Weather Service, a 20% chance of thunderstorms will return to Chicago by Thursday evening, with brief rain likely after 4 p.m. Despite the storms, skies are expected to clear in time for a mostly sunny and dry Fourth of July, with temperatures reaching around 92°F and mild southerly winds.
However, it’s important for residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours to avoid heat-related issues.
Hot Weekend Ahead: Summer Weather Alert for Saturday
By Saturday, Chicago will experience the hottest day of the week, with temperatures soaring to 96°F. In addition to the heat, there’s a slight chance of thunderstorms moving in Saturday night and continuing through Sunday afternoon and Monday night.
These storms will be brief, but they could disrupt outdoor plans, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
Higher humidity will make it feel even hotter, particularly near the lakefront and along major roadways such as I-55 and Lake Shore Drive. With the increased traffic expected for July 4th travel, it’s crucial to plan ahead.
Light winds won’t offer much relief, so make sure your air conditioning is in working order, limit prolonged outdoor exposure, and keep pets cool.
Looking Ahead: More Storms and Humidity
Rain chances will persist into the following week, with another round of scattered showers expected Tuesday and Wednesday.
The storms will be short-lived but may catch people off guard, particularly on Sunday and Tuesday afternoons. Even though the rain chances are low, it’s wise to stay prepared for pop-up storms.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago (July 4 – July 9)
Friday, July 4 (Independence Day): Mostly sunny, high near 92°F, light south wind.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, high near 96°F.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, slight chance of thunderstorms, low near 77°F.
Sunday: Chance of afternoon thunderstorms, high near 90°F.
Monday Night: More storms possible after 8 p.m., low near 70°F.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny with storm chances late, high near 79°F.
Wednesday: Chance of storms continues, high near 85°F.
Stay tuned for the next update from the National Weather Service, and make sure to plan accordingly for the holiday weekend!
