Chicago Sees Showers Early, Clearing Skies and Highs Near 70

Fog develops tonight, followed by a warm, partly sunny Thursday near 80, then a chance for severe storms Friday night.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:40am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a heavy storm system moving across the Chicago skyline, with the city's buildings obscured by dramatic, swirling clouds and dramatic backlighting.As a powerful storm system approaches the Chicago skyline, the city's iconic architecture is dwarfed by the sublime, awe-inspiring power of nature.Chicago Today

Showers and a few storms are possible through early afternoon in Chicago before skies clear with highs near 70 degrees. Fog is expected to develop overnight, followed by a warm and partly sunny Thursday with highs around 80. However, the chance for severe storms returns on Friday night.

Why it matters

Chicago's weather patterns can have a significant impact on the daily lives of residents, from commuting to outdoor activities. This forecast provides important information to help Chicagoans plan their days and weeks ahead.

The details

According to Fox Chicago Meteorologist Kaitlin Cody, the showers and storms are expected to clear out by early afternoon, allowing for clearing skies and highs around 70 degrees. Overnight, fog will develop with lows in the low 50s. Thursday will be partly sunny and warm, with highs near 80 degrees. However, the chance for severe storms returns on Friday night.

  • Showers and storms are possible through early afternoon on Monday, April 16, 2026.
  • Highs will reach around 70 degrees on Monday, April 16, 2026.
  • Fog is expected to develop overnight on Monday, April 16, 2026, into Tuesday, April 17, 2026.
  • Thursday, April 18, 2026 will be partly sunny with highs around 80 degrees.
  • The chance for severe storms returns on Friday night, April 19, 2026.

The players

Kaitlin Cody

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

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What’s next

Residents should monitor the weather forecast closely, especially for the potential of severe storms on Friday night.

The takeaway

Chicago's weather can be unpredictable, but this forecast provides a helpful overview of the week ahead to allow residents to plan accordingly and stay safe.