Chicago forecast shows rounds of rain, gusty winds – NBC Chicago

In a significant change from the pleasant weather experienced in recent weeks, rain combined with potential thunderstorms and gusty winds could put a damper on weekend plans.

While there will be periods of dry weather, you’ll most certainly want to keep an umbrella handy, as scattered showers are expected throughout the day on Saturday.

The weekend began with a round of showers before sunrise, along with temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s. Rain was slated to move out by around 9 a.m., making way for a few peaks of sunshine in the late morning and early afternoon.

By the time noon rolls around, gusty breezes will likely begin blowing out of the south and west — and cause a jump in temperatures. Readings will top out in the mid 70s, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said.

After that, on-and-off showers will be possible.

By the nighttime hours, a larger area of rain covering nearly the entire half of Illinois will begin moving northward as gusty winds arrive. As rain continues overnight, winds will shift out of the north and west, making for continued breezy conditions.

Showers will persist for a while but could potentially leave the area before the Chicago Bears game begins at noon. Even if that doesn’t happen, rain will likely clear out in the subsequent hours.

The day overall won’t be entirely comfortable, as winds make for cooler weather and gusty conditions. High temperatures will likely sit in the upper 50s, meteorologists said.

When it comes to rainfall, the Kankakee area and Valparaiso, Indiana, could experience the most, with 1.61 and 2.07 inches possible, according to projected totals. Lesser totals are expected elsewhere, such as in DuPage, which will likely see 1.46 inches of rain and at Midway Airport, where the projected total is .91 inches.

Windy conditions, meanwhile, will subside briefly Sunday into Monday, though there will be a change of direction. Winds will arrive out of the south, making for breezy conditions.

Overall, readings will reach the mid 60s – and along with those temperatures, we’ll see some sunshine.

But rain won’t stay away for long.

A few showers could arrive beginning Monday night, according to the NWS.

Rain will remain a possibility on Tuesday, as high temperatures drop into the mid 50s.

Both days will be windy, with gusty winds greater than 30 miles per hour expected on Monday and gusts of up to 35 miles per hour possible on Tuesday.

Then we’ll see some good news: clear skies are expected Wednesday through Sunday. By the time next weekend rolls around, temperatures will have climbed back into the mid 60s.