Heavy Showers, Gusty Winds Forecast for Chicago Tonight

Scattered morning showers to give way to heavier rain and thunderstorms later in the evening.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the Chicago skyline shrouded in a dramatic storm, with heavy rain and gusty winds dominating the scene and dwarfing the city's buildings.As a powerful storm system moves in, Chicago's iconic skyline is dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the turbulent weather.Kankakee Today

Chicago is expected to see scattered morning showers on Thursday, April 9, 2026, followed by heavy showers and thunderstorms later in the evening. The National Weather Service warns that many areas could pick up between 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain, with isolated totals exceeding 1 inch north of the Illinois and Kankakee River valleys. Gusty winds up to 25 mph are also expected, which could create hazardous conditions for boaters and shoreline runners.

Why it matters

The heavy rain and gusty winds could lead to flooding, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel conditions during the evening commute and overnight hours. Residents and visitors in the Chicago area should be prepared to adjust their plans and take necessary precautions.

The details

The morning is expected to start with scattered showers that will taper off by mid-morning, leading to partly sunny skies. However, a wetter round of showers and thunderstorms is forecast to return late Thursday evening and continue overnight. The heavier rain could trigger new rises on rivers and creeks in the affected areas.

  • As of 5:35 a.m. CDT Thursday, April 9, 2026, Chicago was mostly cloudy with temperatures around 59°F.
  • Scattered morning showers are expected to taper by mid-morning.
  • The afternoon looks largely dry and partly sunny.
  • Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to return late Thursday evening and continue overnight.
  • Friday turns noticeably cooler, with highs near 48°F and showers tapering through the morning.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What they’re saying

“The latest forecast discussion from the National Weather Service warns that many areas could pick up one-half to three-quarters of an inch of rain, with isolated totals exceeding 1 inch north of the Illinois and Kankakee River valleys.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

Residents and visitors in the Chicago area should monitor weather updates and forecasts, and be prepared to adjust their plans and take necessary precautions if flooding or hazardous travel conditions develop.

The takeaway

The heavy rain and gusty winds expected in Chicago tonight highlight the importance of being prepared for severe weather events and following local guidance to ensure public safety. Residents should stay informed, heed weather warnings, and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions become hazardous.