The warm, sticky air that enveloped Chicagoland on Tuesday has stuck around for Wednesday morning.
Temperatures were already in the mid-70s throughout the area before the sun was up, more than 10 degrees above normal, with dew points well into the sticky level. The heat index soared on Tuesday, with Kenosha, Wis., record a scorching heat index level of 103 degrees at one point.
But that’s going to change Wednesday afternoon.
After some potential showers or non-severe storms around lunchtime, the wind will gradually shift to northwest then northeast, bringing a cooling breeze off the lake that will drive down dew points.
High temps will then be in the mid-70s inland, and even cooler along the lake, with dry air and plenty of sunshine. That’ll make for a comfortable night, with lows in the 60s, and Friday will start that way, too.
But the cooler, drier air will be short-lived.
The heat and humidity return to Chicagoland later Friday and into Saturday, though the Sunday forecast is looking cooler and more pleasant again as July approaches.
Forecast
TODAY: Cloudy start with isolated showers/storms. Decreasing clouds and breezy. Winds WNW/NNE at 10-20 mph. High 83.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy , breezy and mild overnight. Winds NNE at 5-15 mph, gusts to 20. Low near 60.
TOMORROW: Mostly sunny and pleasant temps. Winds ESE at 5-10 mph. High 75, cooler lakeside.
EXTENDED OUTLOOK: A nice start to Friday, with increasing clouds and humidity and a high of 78. Afternoon rain looks likely to develop, and showers/t’storms continue into Friday night. We’ll split the weekend, with a warm and muggy 87 on Saturday with possible storms, then perfectly pleasant Sunday, with highs in the mid-70s for the Chicago Pride Parade. The first day of July looks very comfortable, with highs in the mid- to upper 70s and lots of summer sunshine.