Chicago, IL is kicking off this Sunday warm and mostly cloudy, with a high near 83°F — but hold off on locking in outdoor plans until after noon, when a morning shower threat is expected to clear.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service says a slight chance of rain showers (around 20%) lingers through late morning, mainly for communities along and northwest of a Peru-to-Waukegan line. Waukegan, Elgin, and the northwest suburbs carry the highest risk early. Most of the city — from the Loop to Lincoln Park to Hyde Park — should stay drier through the morning. By afternoon, expect partly to mostly cloudy skies with southeast winds gusting up to 30 mph along the lakefront. Classic mid-May Windy City energy.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your outdoor window opens around noon CT and holds through the evening. The lakefront path, Millennium Park, and Grant Park are all solid choices — just know the lake breeze will keep the northern shoreline a few degrees cooler than downtown. Tonight, Bruno Mars brings The Romantic Tour to Soldier Field, and conditions should cooperate: partly cloudy with a low around 67°F and south winds 15 to 20 mph. Breezy but manageable for an outdoor show. Earlier in the day, the Chicago White Sox host the Chicago Cubs at Rate Field — afternoon skies look dry enough for crosstown ball.
Rain, Wind, and Storm Risk
Sunday’s odds are low, but Monday is a different story. The National Weather Service gives Monday a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms — and some storms could be severe, per NWS forecasters in the Area Forecast Discussion. Timing points to late morning through afternoon CT. Monday also opens the Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers series at Wrigley Field on May 18 — if you’re tailgating on Waveland, watch the updated forecast and have a rain plan ready.
Cubs-Brewers Series: Pack for It
The Cubs and Brewers play three games at Wrigley — May 18, 19, and 20. Monday carries the heaviest storm risk; Tuesday and Wednesday may offer better conditions, though additional shower rounds are possible through the week per the NWS. Layer up in a Chicago Cubs jersey under a rain jacket for the storm-prone opener. A Chicago Cubs fitted cap handles the wind and any sun that breaks through. Still need seats? Get tickets on SeatGeek for any of the three games before they’re gone.
Allergy Alert
Warm, windy days like today are prime pollen-movement conditions across the Chicago metro. With gusts up to 30 mph pushing tree and grass pollen all afternoon, allergy sufferers should keep allergy relief nasal spray close and run a HEPA air purifier when you’re back indoors. Check the full Chicago weather forecast for daily pollen and storm updates this week.
Dinner Tonight
A warm Sunday evening with a storm front building for Monday is the perfect excuse for something easy — pasta or a quick stir-fry comes together fast before Soldier Field or a late-afternoon game. You can order groceries on Amazon and get Amazon Fresh groceries delivered in time for a no-stress Sunday dinner.
Next Few Days
- Monday, May 18: Storms likely (70%), high near 82°F, gusts to 30 mph — Cubs-Brewers opener at Wrigley is a weather watch
- Tuesday: Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible; some could be severe, per NWS
- Mid-week: Cooler temperatures return, offering some relief after the stormy stretch
Browse outdoor gear deals to stay prepared for whatever this week throws at Chicago.
