The city’s recent cool spell is about to end. After several days with area highs in the 60s and 70s, air conditioners are about to get an extended workout as readings should return to the 80s today, and after flirting with the 90º mark on Tuesday and Thursday, surge into the middle 90s on Friday. A brief period of east winds may temper the heat next weekend, but more hot weather looms on the horizon for July’s opening days.
While there is a potential for some thunderstorm activity later this week, current prospects are not favorable for much-needed widespread soaking rainfall. This area is now classified as being in a moderate drought, with conditions worsening with each passing dry day.
Dry conditions in North Africa are also causing problems for hurricane forecasters. Huge clouds of dust moving west across the Atlantic Ocean have made it difficult to discern clouds associated with a tropical wave moving through the Lesser Antilles.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
