Cooler Weekend Ahead, Storms Possible For IL

After a week or so of hot temperatures, the Chicago area will get a bit of a cool-down this weekend with temps in the mid to upper 70s. According to the National Weather Service, a sharp cold front will push south across the area on Friday.

Gusty north to northeast winds behind the front will build waves on Lake Michigan, which will produce hazardous swimming conditions on Saturday. A beach hazard statement has been issued for Lake Michigan Illinois beaches, and the NWS said waves will be 4 to 7 feet and occasionally up to 9 feet.

According to the NWS, a few isolated thunderstorms will be possible Saturday in the midday and early afternoon hours south of Chicago.

The high for Saturday is 84 degrees, although it will be in the 60s near the lake. Sunday will be a bit cooler with a high of 77 degrees.

Here is a more detailed look at the weather this weekend:

• FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East northeast wind around 10 mph.
• SATURDAY NIGHT: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• SUNDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
• MONDAY: Sunny, with a high near 76.