Chicago weather: Mild and breezy Wednesday evening; storms on Thursday

Wednesday evening stays mild and breezy with southwest winds holding temperatures well into the 50s. There is a chance for a few elevated thunderstorms developing overnight, mainly south of I-80, with some hail possible if instability materializes.

Thursday is a high-impact weather day. Expect a warm start with temperatures quickly climbing into the 60s — possibly even 80s south — before a powerful cold front sweeps through during the day. Temperatures will tumble fast behind it, potentially dropping 20–30° in just a few hours. The front is expected on the Chicago lakefront by mid-morning, but will take until late afternoon to reach areas south of I-80.

Thunderstorms are likely to develop along and behind the front, with the greatest severe threat coming between 3-10 PM. 

By Thursday night, the system clears out quickly, setting up a much colder, blustery end to the week.   

Here is your 7-day forecast:

Thursday: Severe storm risk. High: 64, Low: 31

Friday: Breezy flurries. High: 42, Low: 27

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 51, Low: 39

Sunday: Breezy. High: 61, Low: 49

Monday: Few storms. High: 73, Low: 51

Tuesday: Storms likely. High: 67, Low: 55

Wednesday: Scattered storms. High: 70, Low: 48

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