Showers, storms and mild temperatures are expected across the city this weekend with the return of Chicago’s Air and Water Show, and the weather may affect the show, according to the National Weather Service Chicago.
Kevin Doom, meteorologist with Chicago’s National Weather Service, said scattered showers are on tap for most of Saturday with a “good chance for a few afternoon and evening thunderstorms.” Sunday’s rain will not be as widespread, Doom said, with a slightly lower chance of wet, stormy weather throughout the day. Neither day is expected to have “anything too strong or severe,” he said, but some heavy downpours with scattered thunder and lightning are possible.
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The highest likelihood of showers and storms Saturday is late afternoon and into the evening, Doom said. Sunday’s wet weather will be primarily in the morning to afternoon but should clear up by Sunday night.
Temperatures will be in the upper 70s, closer to 80, Saturday and around the mid-70s on Sunday, Doom said. Lows for both days will be around the mid-60s.
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Doom said thunderstorms could affect the Air and Water Show Saturday but expects the late morning and early afternoon “should be quiet enough” for the show to go on as planned. The show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
“If we do get some thunderstorms popping up a little bit earlier, that could potentially cause some issues,” he said.
Jennifer Johnson Washington, first deputy commissioner of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which organizes the show every year, said in a statement, “The Chicago Air and Water Show happens rain or shine, and we have every expectation of running the full show this year. Safety for our guests and performers is our number one concern, so in the event of severe weather, portions of the show may be delayed until the weather has passed. We suggest listening to the show on NewsRadio 780/105.9, which broadcasts the show live Saturday and Sunday, for updates in the event of a weather delay.”
Doom said spectators of the show out on the lakefront this weekend should bring along some rain gear in case of inclement weather.
“If you don’t mind a little rain, it shouldn’t be too bad at all,” he said. “As long as we don’t have any incredibly heavy rain or thunderstorms earlier in the day, the show should still go on as planned without a hitch.”
Next week will look fairly similar to this week in terms of weather, Doom said, with temperatures in the mid- to upper 70s and low 80s and fairly dry for most of the week. He said the “next solid chance” for rain after the weekend shouldn’t be until Friday.
