There’s some good news and bad news when it comes to the forecast for this week and the long holiday weekend.
First, the bad news.
After a gloomy Tuesday with on and off rain showers comes a chance for storms overnight and into Wednesday morning. Though the storms are not expected to be severe, they could pose a small risk for some hail and gusty winds.
Winds will already be strong heading into the evening hours, reaching between 30 and 40 mph, which could bring added strength to storms that develop.
A Beach Hazards Statement takes effect at 4 p.m. Tuesday for Lake and Cook counties in Illinois, warning of high waves and dangerous swimming conditions. Life-threatening waves, some reaching as high as 8 feet, are possible along with strong rip currents and structural currents.
Anyone visiting area beaches was being warned to stay out of the water. The alert remains in effect through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The chance for showers and storms will continue every day through the weekend.
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Severe storms continue to make their way across several Midwest states, but it appears the severe activity that brought devastating tornadoes and hail to numerous locations will weaken before the systems arrive in the Chicago area.
Now, the good news.
Despite highs only reaching into the upper-50s Tuesday, things are expected to warm up for the days ahead.
Highs are forecast to climb into the upper-70s and low-80s Wednesday, where they will stay through Friday. Though they may cool slightly for the weekend, temperatures are still expected to stay well into the 70s both Saturday and Sunday.
Early predictions show Memorial Day could stay dry but will likely be cooler along the lakefront.
