A rainy April continues for the Chicago area, with more showers and possible thunderstorms in the forecast this week as flood warnings continue as temperatures warm, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
Tuesday morning started out mild, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. The conditions were a far cry from Monday morning, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, when a freeze warning was in place.
Temperatures will rise into the 70s by the afternoon for all areas, Roman said, with partly cloudy skies.
By afternoon, a spotty shower or even isolated thunderstorm could develop, Roman said, stretching from DeKalb, Woodstock and Waukegan before moving south.
“If a thunderstorm does develop, the best timing is between 2 and 4 p.m.,” Roman said, adding that any showers or storms that do develop will move out quickly.
Winds will also pick up in the afternoon, with gusts as high as 30 or even 35 miles per hour. If storms become stronger, wind gusts could reach 50 mph, with small hail possible.
Milder temperatures are expected this week. There is a chance of thunderstorms mainly near/south of I-88 Tuesday evening. After a brief break, greater shower/storm chances are expected as cold front passes toward the end of the week. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/xyDnT2vZXt
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 20, 2026
The combination of gusty winds, warming temperatures and higher humidity will result in a high fire danger, the National Weather Service added.
Flood warnings continue
The rain chances come as flood warnings across the Chicago area continue, with Des Plaines River flooding impacting parts of Cook and Lake Counties, including Lincolnshire and Gurnee.
“A flood warning remains in effect until further notice,” the NWS said, with moderate flooding occuring and forecast to continue.
According to the NWS river gauges along the Fox River Chain in Lake County indicated water levels will continue to rise.
“The latest forecast from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources indicates that water levels may near major flood stage by the middle of this week,” the NWS said.
Temperatures Wednesday will be even warmer for some, Roman said, with highs near 80 degrees inland. Along the lake, it will remain cool, with readings in the 50s.
Late Thursday into Friday will be the next best chance for rain, Roman said, with showers expected to last through the Friday morning commute.
As a cold front passes through, temperatures will dip down into the 60s over the weekend, Roman said.
