Chicago-area residents curious about the forecast for Memorial Day weekend will likely be in for some good news.
According to the latest forecasts from the NBC 5 Storm Team, it appears there will be some chances of rain early in the weekend, but the weekend won’t be a total washout, with plenty of sunshine expected especially on Sunday and Monday.
The one noteworthy part of the forecast will be the waves on Lake Michigan, with a beach hazard statement in effect through Saturday afternoon according to forecast models.
Waves of 3-to-6 feet and dangerous rip currents are expected to continue into the weekend, which could put a damper on the start of Chicago’s beach season, as swimming may not be allowed early on.
Cold temperatures of the lake water could also have an impact on the party, as buoys are showing water temperatures in the 40s and 50s according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
Friday and Saturday will both see occasionally scattered showers, but temperatures will slowly continue to rise, with readings in the upper-60s to low-70s on Friday and then in the low-to-mid 70s on Saturday, according to the latest forecast models.
The scattered rain may stick around until very early Sunday morning, but drier and sunnier conditions are expected on the back half of the Memorial Day weekend. High temperatures Sunday could soar into the upper-70s, then into the 80s by Monday.
In fact, temperatures are expected to continue to hit the 80s throughout the upcoming week as Chicago moves toward the start of meteorological summer on June 1.
Be sure to stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest forecast updates ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, and download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts and radar on your phone.
