CHICAGO — A hazy, sun-filled start to the week is giving way to stormy conditions across the Chicago area Tuesday night, with showers and thunderstorms expected to roll in following an 80-degree day. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Marginal Risk alert — the lowest level on its five-point scale — for northeast Illinois, including the Chicago metro.
Warm Start to the Week With Haze From Wildfire Smoke
Monday brought sunshine and highs in the mid-80s, though the skies remained hazy due to Canadian wildfire smoke that’s once again drifted into the region. The haze will continue through Tuesday, according to FOX 32’s Emily Wahls, as conditions remain dry and warm during the day.
Storm Risk Tuesday Night: What to Expect
While Tuesday daytime will feel like a summer scorcher, the real weather shift begins after sunset, when a cold front is expected to arrive, bringing with it:
- Scattered showers and thunderstorms
- Cooler temperatures overnight and into Wednesday
- Risk of isolated severe weather, though limited
According to FOX 32, the SPC places most of the region at “Marginal Risk” (level 1 of 5), meaning an isolated strong storm or two can’t be ruled out, especially after 7 p.m.
Cooling Trend Follows Midweek Rain
The rain and storms may linger into early Wednesday, but the more noticeable change will be the drop in temperatures:
- Highs in the upper 60s across most of the metro
- Even cooler near the lakefront, potentially only in the 50s
- By Thursday and Friday, lingering light rain remains possible
- Saturday looks dry for now, but rain chances return Sunday
Why It Matters for Chicagoans
While the incoming storms are not expected to be widespread or severe, the combination of heat, wildfire haze, and a fast-moving front can create uncomfortable and disruptive conditions for evening commuters and outdoor events.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Monitor weather alerts through trusted channels like weather.gov
- Plan ahead for Wednesday’s cooler temps and wet roads
- Avoid lakefront exposure during chillier conditions if storms persist
How are you adapting to the hazy heat and shifting conditions this week? Has the wildfire smoke or storm threat disrupted your plans? Share your experiences with us in the comments.
Sources:
- FOX 32 Chicago – Weather Update
- National Weather Service – www.weather.gov
