Storms Return to Chicago Tonight After Brief Calm

Temperatures to swing from 60s to 40s as cooler lake air moves in.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:18am

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A vast, moody landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a dramatic, cloud-filled sky dominating the frame and dwarfing any small structures or objects on the ground below.As a new round of storms approaches Chicago, the city's residents brace for the region's unpredictable and often overwhelming spring weather.Chicago Today

After a brief respite, showers and thunderstorms will return to the Chicago area tonight, with temperatures dropping from the 60s into the 40s as cooler lake air moves in. The storms are expected to clear out by early tomorrow morning, leading to a cool but dry Easter weekend.

Why it matters

Chicago's volatile spring weather can significantly impact outdoor activities, transportation, and power infrastructure. Residents need to stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and be prepared to adjust their plans accordingly.

The details

Temperatures will reach the low 60s earlier today before cooler air from Lake Michigan pushes temperatures down into the 40s by tonight. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in after dark, though they are not anticipated to be as intense as the storms that hit the area on Thursday. The rain should clear out by early tomorrow morning, but temperatures will continue to fluctuate, with the warmest part of the day being in the morning when readings reach the upper 50s before dropping back into the 40s in the afternoon.

  • Temperatures will peak in the low 60s earlier today.
  • Showers and thunderstorms will move in after dark tonight.
  • Rain will exit the area not long after sunrise tomorrow morning.
  • Easter weekend will be cool with highs in the low 50s.

The players

Mike Caplan

A Fox Chicago meteorologist who provided the information for this weather report.

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What they’re saying

“After that wild ride yesterday, we at least have a few quiet hours today before the next round of showers and storms moves in tonight.”

— Mike Caplan, Meteorologist

The takeaway

Chicago's unpredictable spring weather can create challenges for residents, but being prepared for rapid changes in temperature and precipitation can help people adjust their plans and stay safe.