Sunday forecast: Storms clear Chicagoland during AM, lake breeze keeps afternoon temps cooler

The heavy showers and storms that caused flooding and some damage around Chicagoland

on Saturday evening into early Sunday morning are clearing the area.

That will make for a pleasant, seasonal Sunday afternoon for the final day of the Chicago Air and Water Show, with lake breezes keeping temperatures cooler and drier than they will be in more southern locations in Illinois and elsewhere around the Midwest.

While the heat index is forecast to reach triple-digits just south of Chicagoland on Sunday, a northeast breeze off the lake will keep high temps in the low 80s for much of our area.

Farther south and southwest of the city, however, the heat will crank up again, making it feel significantly hotter away from the cooling influence of the lake.

On Saturday, high temps reached 95 degrees at O’Hare International Airport and 96 degrees at Midway International Airport. As you can see below, we’ve already surpassed both 2023 and 2024 and are well above the yearly average for days of 90 degrees or warmer this year.

Rainfall totals

The heavy rains that came through Chicagoland on Saturday evening and into Sunday morning dropped quite a bit of rainfall in some locations.

A Flood Warning or Flood Advisory does remain in effect until noon Sunday for parts of west, southwest and south suburban Chicagoland, but most areas should be seeing ample sunshine by the afternoon hours.

While Sunday afternoon is expected to be dry, another round of potentially heavy rainfall could hit Chicagoland on Monday.

As of now, the forecast shows some potential showers Monday morning, followed by a break. Then, there’s the potential for more heavy, intense storms Monday evening, which could cause more flooding in already saturated areas.

Fortunately, after Monday we’re looking at drier, cooler conditions for the latter part of the upcoming work week (see more below).

Beach forecast

While Sunday afternoon should be ideal to sit out on Chicagoland’s Lake Michigan beaches, going in the water is not advised.

A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for all lakeside counties from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, with waves of 3 to 6 feet and dangerous currents expected.

A noticeable break in the humidity arrives by the middle of the upcoming work week, with much drier conditions coming for the second part of the week.

High temps will remain about 5 to 10 degrees above normal until Wednesday, then cooler, more comfortable conditions settle in.