Storms Expected Friday Before Weekend Weather Shift For Chicago Area

Before quiet, seasonably cool weather this weekend, showers and storms are possible on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Thursday will have a high of 81 and should be sunny and dry. A cold front will move into the area on Friday, and bring a chance of storms in the afternoon and evening, the weather service said.

Some of these storms could be severe with gusty winds and heavy rain.

After Friday, "seasonably cool conditions" are expected for the rest of the weekend, the weather service said. According to the current forecast, there is a high of 79 on Saturday, and 76 on Sunday.

Hazardous swim conditions will also develop at Lake Michigan beaches on Saturday and Sunday.

Here is a more detailed look at the weather for this weekend, per the weather service:

THURSDAY: Sunny, with a high near 78. East northeast wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

FRIDAY: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Light south southwest wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

FRIDAY NIGHT: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 64. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming west in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph.

SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

SUNDAY: Sunny, with a high near 76.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.