Calm, cloudy Saturday in store before rain returns and temperatures rise

Calm and seasonable conditions are expected Saturday, but with plenty of clouds, before chances of rain arrive ahead of more opportunities for showers and summer‑like warmth early next week.

The day began with areas of patchy fog and frost in low-lying areas, but both were expected to subside as sunshine arrived later in the morning.

Expect plenty of sunshine at least early on, though it won’t last the entire day, as clouds gradually increase.

The good news is the rain associated with the clouds will largely dissipate before reaching the region. However, we may see a sprinkle or two out of the clouds, especially in the latter part of the afternoon.

Overall, anticipate partly sunny skies along with highs in the mid-50s and winds from the east at 6 to 12 miles per hour, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said.

As the evening arrives, we’ll see the first of several chances for rain.

Showers, and maybe a rumble of thunder, are possible overnight, especially north of the city. By Sunday morning, conditions will dry out.

The overnight low will be around 50 degrees, with showers and storms persisting, and winds increasing out of the southeast at 10 to 20 miles per hour.

Winds will strengthen throughout Sunday, with gusts approaching 35 miles per hour at times. At around noon, an isolated thunderstorm may develop, with thunderstorms potentially becoming more widespread in the afternoon.

Sunday will be windy and noticeably warmer, with temperatures roughly 20 degrees higher than Saturday, as highs climb into the mid 70s.

Showers will linger Sunday evening, so you might want to consider postponing any outdoor plans.

Thankfully, the rain should move on out ahead of the Monday morning commute.

Monday will be a little on the breezy side, though not quite as windy as Sunday. The day will bring some afternoon sunshine, highs into the mid-to-upper 70s and a southerly breeze.

Afterward, opportunities for rain return, with off-and-on chances throughout the week.

Overnight Monday into Tuesday, some thunderstorms are expected to move through, as the northern suburbs sit under a “slight” risk category for severe weather, which is Level 2 out of 5. The rest of the area will be under a “marginal” risk, which is Level 1 out of 5.

Another round of showers and storms is expected to develop Tuesday, with a 15% severe weather risk from the Storm Prediction Center.

Additional showers and storms may follow on Wednesday. However, Sack noted the severe weather threat could stay south.

The unsettled pattern won’t let up quite yet, as chances of rain linger into Thursday.