Wednesday forecast: Cooler and drier conditions, with plenty of sunshine, settling into Chicagoland for a while

After a stretch of warm, humid and often unstable conditions, drier and cooler air is moving into Chicagoland for a while.

Clouds will decrease Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures topping out in the upper 70s inland and the lower 70s lakeside. Temps will then fall into the mid-60s Wednesday night, under mostly clear skies.

Thursday will then be mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high near 80 inland while it stays in the lower 70s along the lakefront.

This kicks off a stretch where temps could almost feel fall-like around Chicagoland at times (see more below).

Wednesday beach conditions

A fairly gusty north to northeast wind will create dangerous rip currents and hazardous boating conditions on the lake Wednesday for all of Lake Michigan. Stay out of the water and avoid piers, breakwalls and lakeshore trails.

A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for all of Chicagoland’s lakeside counties through Thursday morning, with waves of 3 to 6 feet expected.

Wednesday morning gusts

Wednesday afternoon gusts

Wednesday sunburn forecast

We’re headed for a much cooler pattern, with no sign of 90-degree heat for the remainder of August.

Forecast highs and departures from normal

Near or below normal high temperatures are forecast for the next five days, with even cooler temperatures beyond this graph.

Comfortable sleeping weather lies ahead this weekend, with lows dipping into the 50s away from Lake Michigan, offering an early taste of autumn.

Forecast saturday lows

Forecast Sunday lows

Forecast Monday lows

Markedly Cooler Pattern Ahead

Forecast average highs: Aug. 22-26

Significantly below normal temperatures are forecast for the Northern Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes. 

Forecast 6-10-day outlook: Aug. 25-29

There’s a strong likelihood of below normal temperatures in the final days of August, with the highest probability of cool temperatures across the Midwest and Central Plains.  

Forecast total rainfall through Tuesday, Aug. 26

No repeat of flooding downpours or any rainfall for the next week. 

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