Chicago weather live
On this page you can follow the weather in Chicago in real time: current temperature and feels-like, wind and gusts, humidity, pressure, cloud cover, dew point and chance of rain, refreshed every few minutes. The hourly and seven-day forecasts help with everything from the commute to a walk along the lakefront. Chicago sits in the Midwestern United States on the shore of Lake Michigan, and the lake strongly shapes its weather.
Chicago's climate
Chicago has a humid continental climate with large seasonal contrasts. Summers are warm to hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30 °C and afternoon thunderstorms that can turn severe, occasionally bringing hail or damaging winds. Winters are cold and snowy, with hard freezes, biting winds and periods of heavy snow. Lake Michigan has a powerful moderating and modifying effect: it cools the lakeshore in summer and can enhance snowfall in winter through lake-effect snow, while lake breezes create sharp temperature differences between the shore and inland neighbourhoods. Nicknamed the "Windy City," Chicago is genuinely breezy, with strong winds sweeping across the flat surrounding plains. Rainfall peaks in the warmer months with thunderstorms, while winter brings snow. Spring and autumn are changeable, with rapid swings in temperature as weather systems move through.
Air quality and UV in Chicago
The page also shows air quality (US AQI, PM2.5, PM10, ozone, NO₂) and the UV index. On hot, stagnant summer days ozone can build up, while in winter calm conditions may raise particulate and NO₂ levels; wind off the lake and rain improve dispersion. On sunny summer days the UV index can be high; together with sunrise, sunset and day length, this helps with planning time outdoors.
FAQ
What is the weather like in Chicago right now?
The live panel above shows the current temperature, wind, humidity and rainfall in Chicago, refreshed every few minutes.
Will it rain today in Chicago?
The hourly forecast shows the chance of rain for each hour, and the 7-day view shows the outlook for the coming days.
What is Chicago's climate like?
Chicago has a humid continental climate: hot, humid summers with thunderstorms and cold, snowy, windy winters, strongly influenced by Lake Michigan.