Chicago is waking up to another hot, humid Friday with a high near 87°F and showers and thunderstorms likely after 7 AM CT, so if you’ve got plans outside — including tonight’s Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals game at Wrigley Field — keep an eye on the radar and pack something waterproof.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville office says a stalled outflow boundary from overnight storms is lifting back north, which is adding uncertainty to exactly when today’s storms fire. Expect partly sunny skies early, then a good chance of storms after 7 AM, with temperatures actually falling from 87°F toward the mid-80s by afternoon as rain moves in. Winds stay light out of the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph. The NWS warns any storm today could produce damaging winds, so this isn’t a garden-variety sprinkle.
Rain, Wind, And Heat Risk
Heat is the bigger story south of the city: an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect along and south of the Kankakee River Valley, where heat indices could reach 105°F this afternoon. In Chicago proper, expect it to feel more like the mid-90s. New rainfall today should total a half to three-quarters of an inch, and the Weather Prediction Center notes storms will move through quickly, which limits (but doesn’t erase) the flash-flood risk. Storms return again tonight before 4 AM CT, with a low near 73°F.
Best Window To Be Outside
The calmer stretch looks like late morning before storms fully develop, drying out in spurts through the afternoon. Hold off on mowing until the yard firms up.
Independence Day Forecast
Saturday brings more of the same — high near 87°F, storms likely before 7 AM and again through the day, easing to around 80°F by afternoon. The Cubs host the Cardinals again at Wrigley Field, and the Chicago Wolves play Allstate Arena, so build in a rain plan for fireworks. A packable rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots are smart adds to your holiday bag.
What To Wear Or Bring
Layer light for the heat and humidity, but carry a packable rain jacket or compact travel umbrella for storm chances. Given the damaging-wind risk, a windproof lighter helps if you’re grilling, and a DARAN 288Wh Power Station is a smart, affordable backup if gusty storms knock out power overnight (details here). Wrigley-bound fans can grab a Chicago Cubs jersey or Chicago Cubs fitted cap, plus tickets on SeatGeek or tickets on StubHub for tonight’s game. Heading to the Louis Tomlinson show at Allstate Arena tonight? Plan for a soggy walk-up and bring that umbrella.
Helpful Links
Check the Chicago weather forecast or browse outdoor gear deals before the holiday weekend.
Dinner Tonight
With storms rolling through, it’s a night for comfort food — slow cooker chili or beef stew while the rain falls outside. A programmable slow cooker or enameled cast iron Dutch oven makes it easy. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Expect the wave pattern to continue: hot, humid, and unsettled through the weekend, though the NWS notes plenty of dry hours are mixed in too. Watch for updated Extreme Heat Warning guidance if you’re near the Kankakee River Valley or south of I-80.
