Overview

• The Chicago area has recorded nine straight days of high temperatures below seasonal averages, marking only the second such stretch in 20 years, according to the National Weather Service.
• A series of scattered showers is expected to move in midweek, with Wednesday offering the best chance for heavier downpours.
• USDA data show most of the region is experiencing ‘abnormally dry’ to ‘moderate drought’ conditions after a precipitation shortfall exceeding four inches since January.
• Lake Michigan’s waters briefly reached 60°F last weekend before dipping into the mid-50s, maintaining dangerously cold conditions for swimmers.
• Forecast models call for a sharp warm-up by early June, with daily highs climbing into the mid-80s over the first weekend of the month.