Warmer weather has finally reached the Chicago area, with temperatures expected to hit the mid-70s this weekend.
But while the calendar has turned to May, April-like showers are not gone for good, with a chance of storms moving into the region Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Temperatures will begin to rise Friday, with lots of sunshine and winds from the south, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Leatherwood.
“We’re expecting conditions to warm up pretty nicely,” Leatherwood said.
By Saturday afternoon, Chicagoans could see a high of 78 away from the lake and around 70 along the lakefront.
There is a chance for rain beginning Saturday night, largely affecting areas south of the city. These storms are not expected to be as severe as the systems that hit the area earlier this week, according to meteorologists.
“Not nearly as bad as we’ve had the last couple of days,” Leatherwood said.
Despite the nice weather, Chicago’s lakefront and 606 trails remain closed. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new executive order, signed Thursday, will allow certain state parks to now reopen.
People can still walk and exercise outside, but as of Friday, everyone over the age of 2 will need to wear a face mask when they can’t maintain a 6-foot social distance in public.
Sunday’s storm could cool things down, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-50s or 60s early next week.
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“Still not nearly as bad as what we’ve been having,” Leatherwood said.
For updates on the forecast, check the Tribune’s weather page.