Stormy Skies Over Chicago Tonight

The wind is picking up over Chicago as weather experts warn of incoming storms starting late Monday. Between 7 and midnight, the skies could open up with heavy rain and lightning that jumps from the ground to the clouds. A few storms may turn more intense earlier in the evening, packing enough punch to chip paint on cars or shatter windows with hailstones.Dust isn’t just a problem in deserts anymore. Dry air sweeping in from the southwest could stir up loose soil across farmland south of the city, making visibility tricky for drivers. Areas near Interstate 80 face another concern: strong winds and low moisture levels raise the odds of small fires spreading quickly through dry grass or fields. After Monday’s warmth—a high near 80°F—the temperature is expected to dip back into a more typical late-spring range by week’s end. While no single storm is guaranteed to be severe, the mix of wind, hail, and fire risk makes it worth keeping an eye on the forecast before heading out.