Chicago, get ready for a soaked Fourth of July: today’s forecast calls for a high near 79°F (falling to around 73° in the afternoon) with a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, so keep a compact travel umbrella within reach and have a plan B for tonight’s fireworks.
Today’s Setup
According to the National Weather Service in Romeoville, a decaying line of storms is clearing out early this morning, which should leave a mostly dry window right around daybreak. But forecasters are watching a cluster of thunderstorms currently over Iowa that could push into the western suburbs by mid-morning — confidence is lower on whether it survives the trip, but they’ve added a 20-40% chance of storms for areas near and north of I-80 just in case. Regardless of how that plays out, a stronger round tied to a shortwave trough is expected to move into the city and north-west Indiana later this afternoon, with winds out of the ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Rain, Wind, And Flash Flood Risk
The NWS is flagging a real risk today: a few storms could turn strong to severe with damaging wind gusts, especially near and south of I-80. Heavy downpours are also possible, and since some spots have already seen heavy rain in recent days, saturated ground raises the flash flood potential wherever storms train over the same area. Overnight, showers and storms stick around (65% chance) with a low near 68° before Sunday brings a better, drier stretch with just a 38% chance of lingering showers and a high near 75°.
What To Wear Or Bring
Swap flip-flops for waterproof hiking boots if you’re heading to the parks or the lakefront, and toss a packable rain jacket in your bag — it folds down small enough for a cooler or beach tote. If storms knock out power for a few hours (always a possibility with gusty thunderstorms), a compact backup like the DARAN 288Wh Power Station, currently discounted for Prime members, can keep phones charged and fans running.
Cubs, Wolves, And Weekend Plans
The Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on Sunday, July 5 — with just a 38% storm chance and temperatures near 75°, it’s a solid outdoor day for baseball, though an umbrella in your bag isn’t a bad idea. Grab a Chicago Cubs jersey or Chicago Cubs fitted cap before first pitch, and if you’re still deciding on seats, you can find tickets on StubHub or get tickets on SeatGeek. If tonight’s weather chases you indoors, the Chicago Wolves are on the ice at Allstate Arena.
Dinner Tonight
With storms rolling through, this is a night for comfort food — a big pot of chili or beef stew in a programmable slow cooker or enameled cast iron Dutch oven hits the spot while the rain rolls off the windows. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
The NWS outlook shows drier, more seasonable conditions settling in to start next week before stormier weather returns again late in the week — a good stretch to plan outdoor errands, grilling, or yard work while you can.
