The first of several rounds of heavy rain swept into the Chicago area early Saturday, with wet conditions set to persist throughout the weekend, potentially leading to flooding.
Moderate to heavy rain began falling along the Interstate 57 and Interstate 55 corridors in the early morning, with additional rain stretching west of the region. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said more rain is expected to develop as another round of precipitation moves in, bringing a continued threat of showers and thunderstorms.
The initial round of rain is expected to continue through around 9 a.m., with more showers and storms following as the afternoon arrives.
While there might be occasional breaks from the rainfall, they likely won’t last long.
Waves of showers and thunderstorms, capable of producing locally heavy rainfall, are expected through Sunday night. Rain chances then gradually diminish early next week, with cooler than average temperatures. #ILWX #INWX pic.twitter.com/HpEmcx8YMC— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) September 19, 2026
Temperatures are expected to top out around 76 degrees, as heavy rainfall continues and winds arrive from the south at 6 to 12 miles per hour. Anyone headed to watch the Northwestern Wildcats take on the University of Colorado should bring rain gear and be prepared for a rain delay, as thunderstorms could produce lightning at times.
The wet weather likely won’t let up Saturday night, with periods of heavy rain continuing through midnight and early Sunday. Another 1 to 1.5 inches of rain is possible during that period, Sack said.
According to the National Weather Service, waves of showers and thunderstorms will likely cause rivers to rise and possibly lead to localized flooding. A flood watch remains in effect through Sunday morning for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties in Illinois, along with Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.
By Sunday morning, temperatures are expected to fall into the low to mid-60s as the heavy rain continues.
Sack said those heading out to tailgate at Soldier Field before the Bears’ kickoff against the Vikings should pack rain gear and stay underneath a tent whenever possible.
Sack said thunderstorm activity should taper off by midday, with steadier rain taking hold. Temperatures will remain in the upper 60s as winds arrive off Lake Michigan at around 13 miles an hour, with those breezy conditions potentially impacting the Bears’ game.
Rain will likely persist through Sunday evening, with totals potentially reaching 3.25 inches in Aurora and Waukegan and 2.5 inches in the city.
Afterward, shower chances will linger into Monday, followed by a slight chance on Tuesday.
The first of several rounds of heavy rain swept into the Chicago area early Saturday, with wet conditions set to persist throughout the weekend, potentially leading to flooding.
Moderate to heavy rain began falling along the Interstate 57 and Interstate 55 corridors in the early morning, with additional rain stretching west of the region. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said more rain is expected to develop as another round of precipitation moves in, bringing a continued threat of showers and thunderstorms.
The initial round of rain is expected to continue through around 9 a.m., with more showers and storms following as the afternoon arrives.
While there might be occasional breaks from the rainfall, they likely won't last long.
Waves of showers and thunderstorms, capable of producing locally heavy rainfall, are expected through Sunday night. Rain chances then gradually diminish early next week, with cooler than average temperatures. #ILWX #INWX pic.twitter.com/HpEmcx8YMC
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) September 19, 2026
Temperatures are expected to top out around 76 degrees, as heavy rainfall continues and winds arrive from the south at 6 to 12 miles per hour. Anyone headed to watch the Northwestern Wildcats take on the University of Colorado should bring rain gear and be prepared for a rain delay, as thunderstorms could produce lightning at times.
The wet weather likely won't let up Saturday night, with periods of heavy rain continuing through midnight and early Sunday. Another 1 to 1.5 inches of rain is possible during that period, Sack said.
According to the National Weather Service, waves of showers and thunderstorms will likely cause rivers to rise and possibly lead to localized flooding. A flood watch remains in effect through Sunday morning for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties in Illinois, along with Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.
By Sunday morning, temperatures are expected to fall into the low to mid-60s as the heavy rain continues.
Sack said those heading out to tailgate at Soldier Field before the Bears' kickoff against the Vikings should pack rain gear and stay underneath a tent whenever possible.
Sack said thunderstorm activity should taper off by midday, with steadier rain taking hold. Temperatures will remain in the upper 60s as winds arrive off Lake Michigan at around 13 miles an hour, with those breezy conditions potentially impacting the Bears' game.
Rain will likely persist through Sunday evening, with totals potentially reaching 3.25 inches in Aurora and Waukegan and 2.5 inches in the city.
Afterward, shower chances will linger into Monday, followed by a slight chance on Tuesday.