Chicago is off to a sunny, beautiful Monday with a high near 75°F — get outside and enjoy it, because a stretch of significant stormy weather arrives starting Tuesday.
Today’s Setup
This is a near-perfect mid-June day. The Chicago weather forecast shows clear skies all day with a high near 75°F and west-southwest winds around 10 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Golfers, Lakefront Trail runners, and anyone planning an afternoon stroll through Lincoln Park or Millennium Park should have zero complaints today.
The Cubs are hosting the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field today under ideal blue skies — grab your Chicago Cubs jersey or Chicago Cubs fitted cap and settle in. A sunny June game in Wrigleyville doesn’t get much better than this.
Best Window To Be Outside
All of today is yours, and tonight stays comfortable with a low around 60°F and light southwest winds — ideal conditions for a backyard cookout. Fire up the propane gas grill and make the most of the calm evening before Tuesday’s storms arrive. Check out outdoor gear deals if you need to restock for the season while prices are good.
Incoming Storm Threat: Tuesday and Wednesday
Here’s what you need to know for the next two days — and this is important.
Tuesday (June 16): The National Weather Service puts the chance of showers and thunderstorms at 84%, with activity beginning as early as 8 AM CT and continuing through the afternoon. Southwest winds will gust up to 35 mph. The NWS has flagged a Level 1 severe weather risk — mostly a nuisance, but worth watching. The Cubs host the Rockies again at Wrigley on June 16; expect possible rain delays.
Wednesday (June 17): This is the day to take seriously. The National Weather Service is flagging a Level 3 severe weather risk for the Chicago metro — all hazards are on the table, including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding are also possible. Have your weather alerts active and know your nearest shelter before Wednesday morning.
The Strokes play United Center on June 17 — that’s an indoor venue, so the show goes on regardless of what’s happening outside. Grab a The Strokes t-shirt and Find tickets on StubHub if you’re still looking.
Grill Tonight While You Can
Sunny 75°F days and calm 60°F evenings are made for grilling. Fire up the grill for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to nail every cook, and keep a grill brush and scraper set handy for easy cleanup. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s cookout delivered to your door. A 2-Person Intex Floating Lounge with Cooler for just $24 is worth grabbing now for calmer days later in the week.
Next Few Days At A Glance
- Tuesday: Storms likely, 84% rain chance, high near 73°F, gusts to 35 mph, Level 1 severe risk
- Wednesday: Level 3 severe weather — large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding all possible across the metro
- Thursday+: Dangerous wave and swimming conditions possible at Lake Michigan beaches, per the National Weather Service
Today is the gift — use it wisely, Chicago.
