Chicago is looking at a mostly sunny Friday with a high near 84°F, but start your morning with caution — dense fog is reducing visibility to around a quarter mile in spots near and east of I-55, and the National Weather Service has a Dense Fog Advisory out for the southeastern half of the metro. Once that burns off after sunrise, it’s a genuinely nice day to get outside.
Today’s Setup
South winds at 5 to 10 mph will usher in a comfortable, mostly sunny afternoon after the fog clears. Overnight lows only dip to around 70, and forecasters say a chance of showers and thunderstorms moves in after 9 PM CT tonight, with a 25-35% chance of storms somewhere in the area — a few could bring gusty winds and small hail if they hold together on the way in.
Best Window To Be Outside
Midday through early evening today is your best stretch — clear skies, light wind, comfortable humidity. It’s a solid fishing window on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River before the evening storm chances arrive; pack a fishing net foldable if you’re heading out. Saturday looks even better for golf, with a high near 78°F, lighter NNW winds, and just a 9% rain chance — grab a golf glove men leather and get a round in at your favorite course.
Rain, Storm, Or Flood Risk
The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of the Midwest, including the Chicago area, in a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall today into Saturday morning, tied to the same thunderstorm chances tonight. Nothing widespread is expected, but if storms train over one spot, isolated ponding is possible. The Storm Prediction Center has no severe outlook posted for our area right now.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light layers work for the warm, sunny stretch today and Saturday. If you’re out this evening, keep a rain layer handy for the after-9-PM storm chance.
Weekend Games & Events
If you’re catching the Train concert at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre tonight, the fog and heat will be long gone, but keep an eye on radar after 9 PM. Saturday is stacked: the Chicago White Sox host the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field and Foo Fighters play Soldier Field, both under that pleasant 78°F, mostly sunny sky — good tailgating weather either way. Find tickets on StubHub or Get tickets on SeatGeek, and grab Official team gear on Fanatics before first pitch. Looking ahead, J. Cole’s Fall-Off Tour stop at United Center on August 11 is worth planning for — pick up a J. Cole t-shirt while you’re at it.
Tonight’s Dinner
With sunny, dry conditions until evening, it’s perfect grilling weather — burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer and a grill brush and scraper set make cleanup and doneness easy. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Before you head out, check the outdoor gear deals on site this week, including a UPF 50+ sun hoodie for anglers.
Next Few Days
Expect an active pattern into early next week, with periodic storm chances lingering through the weekend. Saturday stays milder near 78°F with better sunshine once morning fog issues fade.
