Rain, Big Temperature Drop To Hit Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — A cooler week is expected for the Chicago area, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s all week, according to the National Weather Service.

"Large temperature differences are expected [Monday] and Tuesday, with highs in the 50s across northern Illinois and in the upper 60s to lower 70s for areas well inland and south of Interstate 80," the weather service said.

With the cooler weather, there is also a chance for periods of rain and chances of storms throughout the week.

"There is a chance for a few showers or sprinkles [Monday], mainly south of Interstate 80," the weather service said. There is a chance for some embedded storms late Monday; however, severe weather is not expected.

A few strong to severe storms are also possible Tuesday afternoon, mainly south of a La Salle to Rensselaer line, the weather service said. Rain will continue Tuesday night and Wednesday.

It will also be windy for the beginning of the week, with gusts up to 40 mph possible, mainly north of I-80, according to the weather service.

Here's a look at the forecast for the Chicago area, per the National Weather Service:

• Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Monday night: A slight chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Low around 47. Breezy, with an east northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 7 a.m., then rain and possibly a thunderstorm between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. High near 59. Breezy, with an east wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
• Tuesday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 and 4 a.m., then a chance of showers after 4 a.m. Low around 51. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
• Wednesday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
• Wednesday night: A 40 percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.
• Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
• Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
• Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.