Chicago weather forecast: Rain, thunderstorms could disrupt weekend plans; Riot Fest, Bears game and White Sox games face wet weather

Chicago is heading toward a wet end to summer, with rain showers expected across the area through Sunday and thunderstorms possible over the weekend. The unsettled weather could affect several major outdoor events, including Riot Fest, the Chicago Bears' home opener and the White Sox's weekend homestand.

The rain comes after an unusually wet summer for the city. Chicago recorded 15.38 inches of rain between June 1 and August 31, which was 3.32 inches above the seasonal average.

According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected across the Chicago area in the coming days. Some storms could bring heavy downpours, raising the risk of localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and urban areas.


Chicago weather forecast through Sunday

Thursday: Heavy rain and a few thunderstorms could continue into Thursday morning. Severe storms are not expected, but periods of heavy rainfall could cause localized flooding. Temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 70s.

Friday: The weather could become somewhat drier, although isolated showers remain possible. Many areas are expected to stay dry under mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures in the mid-70s.

Saturday: Another round of showers and thunderstorms could arrive, particularly after 1 p.m. Saturday could be the wettest day of the weekend, with heavy downpours possible. Temperatures are expected to rise to around 80 or 81 degrees before cooler weather arrives at night.

Sunday: Lingering showers and possibly a few storms could continue into Sunday. The temperature is expected to fall back into the low to mid-70s, with a high near 73 degrees.

Heavy rain could cause localized flooding

The National Weather Service warned that some storms could produce torrential rainfall. Areas along and south of Interstate 80 could be particularly vulnerable to localized flooding during periods of intense rain.

A weather system moving through the region could produce scattered thunderstorms near a cold front. The weather service noted that a few storms near and south of I-80 could potentially become strong to severe.

Another period of heavy rain is expected overnight Wednesday into Thursday, potentially creating difficult conditions for the Thursday morning commute.

Riot Fest, Bears game and White Sox games face wet weather

The weekend forecast could create challenges for several outdoor sporting and entertainment events in Chicago.

Riot Fest is scheduled for Friday through Sunday at Douglass Park, meaning festivalgoers could encounter showers and thunderstorms, particularly on Saturday.

The Chicago Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings at noon Sunday at Soldier Field. The game could take place amid lingering showers, depending on how quickly the weekend weather system moves through.

The Chicago White Sox are scheduled to host the Detroit Tigers from Thursday through Sunday at Rate Field, with rain chances affecting portions of the homestand.

Cooler weather expected as fall approaches

Temperatures are expected to remain mostly in the 70s through the weekend, with a brief warm-up toward 80 degrees on Saturday. Cooler air is expected to arrive Saturday night and Sunday.

By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures could fall into the 60s for the first time this season.

The timing also comes just ahead of the first day of fall on September 22, as Chicago transitions from a warmer and wetter summer toward cooler early-autumn weather.