Rain coupled with potential thunderstorms and gusty winds could affect weekend plans compared to the pleasant weather seen in recent weeks.
While there will be a spell of dry weather, you'll definitely want to have an umbrella handy as scattered showers are expected throughout Saturday.
There will be showers before sunrise over the weekend, with temperatures in the low 60s. The rain is expected to disappear around 9am, with a few bursts of sunshine later in the morning and early afternoon.
By midday, gusty winds may begin to blow from the south and west, causing temperatures to spike. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said readings will peak in the mid-70s.
After that, it’s time to shower on and off.
By nighttime, more widespread rainfall covering nearly half of Illinois will begin to move north as gusty winds arrive. As rain continues overnight, winds will shift from the north and west, causing continued breezy conditions.
Showers will linger for a while but may leave the area before the Chicago Bears game starts at noon. Even if that doesn't happen, the rain will likely clear up in the next few hours.
Overall, the day won't be entirely comfortable as the wind will bring cooler temperatures and gusty conditions. Meteorologists say high temperatures could reach over 50 degrees.
In terms of rainfall amounts, the Kankakee area and Valparaiso, Indiana, could see the most, with 1.61 inches and 2.07 inches possible based on projected rainfall totals. Less rainfall is expected elsewhere, such as DuPage, where 1.46 inches of rain could fall, and Midway Airport, where 0.91 inches of rain are expected.
Meanwhile, windy conditions will briefly subside from Sunday into Monday, but wind direction will change. The wind will be blowing from the south, bringing breezy conditions.
Overall, readings will be in the mid-60s and we'll see some sunshine as temperatures rise.
But the rain won't last long.
Showers are possible starting Monday night, the National Weather Service reports.
There's still a chance of rain Tuesday as high temperatures drop into the 50s.
It will be windy both days, with gusts expected to exceed 30 mph on Monday and possibly 35 mph on Tuesday.
Then we get some good news: Sunny skies are expected Wednesday through Sunday. By the time next weekend arrives, temperatures will climb back into the mid-60s.