Chicago weather today is partly sunny with a high near 62°F and gusty west winds—a noticeable cooldown from yesterday that’ll have you reaching for a light jacket if you’re heading out to Soldier Field, Wrigley, or anywhere around Lincoln Park.
That cold front that pushed through overnight left us with some serious wind—gusts up to 40 mph early this morning have been easing throughout the day. By this afternoon, winds should settle to 5–15 mph with occasional gusts to 30 mph, so it’s not exactly a calm Tuesday. If you’re planning to hit the links or head to a ballpark, expect those winds to play a factor. The good news: the low-level clouds that blanketed us this morning are clearing out, especially north of I-80 and west of the Fox Valley, giving us some decent sunshine by early afternoon.
Tonight and Wednesday: Things get interesting. After 10 PM tonight, scattered rain showers move in—nothing severe, but you’ll want an umbrella if you’re heading to Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour at the United Center on Wednesday evening. Grab a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band hoodie or Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band hat to stay warm and dry. Grab tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub for the show if you haven’t already. Rainfall amounts look minimal (less than a tenth of an inch), but Wednesday morning commutes could be damp. By Wednesday afternoon, showers should clear out before 1 PM, leaving us partly sunny but cool—only around 50°F.
What to wear and do: Layer up today. Those 62-degree temps feel cooler with the wind, and by tonight we’re dropping to the upper 40s. If you’re grilling this week, today’s your best bet before the rain arrives. For the Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game at Wrigley Field on Friday, our National Weather Service forecasters are watching a frost threat for Friday night, so conditions should be crisp but clear—grab Official team gear on Fanatics to stay warm in the bleachers.
Allergy sufferers: spring pollen counts are still elevated with this cooler pattern. Consider a HEPA air purifier for your home and a saline sinus rinse Neti pot kit to manage symptoms as we transition into May.
Looking ahead: We’re locked into a cooler, drier pattern through early May—a real shift from the warmth we’ve enjoyed. Frost is possible Friday night across the region, so tender plants need protection. This weekend shapes up nicely for outdoor activities once we clear the rain.
Tonight’s a perfect evening for a warm dinner inside. Pasta or stir-fry pairs well with this weather—quick, comforting, and you can have everything ready before those evening showers arrive. Order groceries on Amazon and stock up on fresh vegetables and pasta to make dinner prep easy.
