Showers, thunderstorms to precede late May-level Friday afternoon temperatures

A period of showers and embedded thunderstorms arrives overnight in Friday’s predawn hours. The strongest storms could contain small hail, heavy downpours and vivid lightning.

The precipitation is occurring on the leading edge of unseasonably warm air due to arrive Friday afternoon. Gusty south to southwest winds approaching 40 mph will usher in the warmth.

Highs are expected to reach the middle 70s, a level more than 20 degrees above normal and more typical of late May.

Chicago is not alone in the spring-like warmth as highs are predicted to surge well into the 80s for parts of South Dakota and even Omaha, Nebraska. At least 186 million US residents will enjoy highs at or above 70-degrees Friday afternoon.

Current Conditions

Next Few Hours

Looking ahead

Unsettled weather returns at times over the coming weekend in the wake of Friday’s warmth. Rains will not be continuous, but they are likely to occur more frequently beginning Saturday afternoon, continuing at times into Sunday.

Rainfall amounts over the next week look impressive, with 1.50 inches to as much as 2.00 inches across the Chicago area.

Following the weekend precipitation, a noticeable drop in temperatures is expected as we end March and begin the new month of April.