Chicago-Area Weather: Damaging Winds, Hail Possible During Evening Rush Hour

Strong storms are possible during the Friday evening rush hour for the Chicago area. A weak cold front will move through the region in the afternoon, and the thunderstorms are expected to hit during the afternoon hours and into the early evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The storms may pose some risk for large hail, damaging winds, heavy downpours and frequent lightning, weather officials said. Meanwhile, high temps for Friday should reach the upper 70s along Lake Michigan and the mid-80s inland.

Saturday is expected to be dry with mostly sunny skies in the forecast. High temps will range from 75 to 82 degrees with the coolest temps expected along the lake. Isolated thunderstorms are expected Saturday night.

And the rain and storms could return again on Sunday. Sunday should also be more humid with high temps reaching between 80 to 87 degrees.

Here is a more detailed look at the forecast for the coming days:

• FRIDAY: Partly sunny with chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s inland...but only in the upper 70s near the lake. West winds 10 to 15 mph in the morning shifting to the north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
• FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows around 60 in the suburbs...but in the mid 60s downtown. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
• SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs around 80 inland...but only in the mid 70s near the lake. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
• SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s in the suburbs...but in the mid 60s downtown. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• SUNDAY: Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
• MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

More info »