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Chicago Braces for Evening Storms as Winds Strengthen, Rain Returns Into Weekend

Forecasters highlight a 6 to 11 p.m. window for strong winds focused south and west of Chicago.

Overview

  • An intensifying system arrives this evening with waves of rain and a chance of thunderstorms, raising concerns for ponding on roads.
  • The National Weather Service expects the main window for stronger storms and damaging gusts between roughly 6 and 11 p.m., with gusty conditions lingering into Friday morning.
  • Southwesterly wind gusts could reach about 35 mph near daybreak Friday, and residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items.
  • The greatest threat for damaging winds and heavier rain targets areas south and west of the city, including northwest Indiana and locations southeast of I-80.
  • Temperatures are forecast to spike near 60 around midnight before falling Friday, with more wet weather leading to a Saturday wintry mix that turns to snow after mid-afternoon with only minor accumulations possible, including during the Bears game.