- A 20–30% chance of showers is expected between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday across Chicago and surrounding areas.
- Wet roads, reduced visibility, and water pooling could impact morning travel during peak brunch hours.
- Areas south of I-80, including Joliet and Gary, face the highest risk of slick conditions.
- The week ahead stays unsettled, with another round of showers possible by Tuesday.
CHICAGO, Illinois — If you are heading out early Sunday to celebrate Mom, you may want to leave a little extra time — and keep your headlights on.
Light showers are expected to develop across the Chicago metro between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Mother’s Day, right when families will be hitting the roads for morning brunches and gatherings.
The National Weather Service in Chicago puts the chance of showers at 20 to 30 percent — not a washout, but enough to make roads slippery and visibility patchy during the busiest travel window of the morning.
Where the Risk Is Highest
The highest chance of showers falls south of I-80, covering Joliet, Gary, and surrounding communities.
But drivers across the broader metro — including Aurora, Naperville, and downtown Chicago — should expect wet pavement on major routes including I-90, I-94, and I-55.
Low-lying roads, underpasses, and flood-prone stretches near downtown and south of Joliet could see water pooling quickly, even from brief, light rain.
What Drivers Need to Know
The core issue is not heavy rain — it is timing.
Showers are most likely between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., exactly when road traffic will be building for Mother’s Day brunches and family visits.
Wet pavement increases braking distances. Passing showers can cut visibility with little warning. And areas near Lake Michigan will feel several degrees colder, as cooler air off the lake extends damp conditions into northwest Indiana as well.
A few simple steps can make the drive safer:
- Turn headlights on the moment rain starts
- Allow extra following distance on I-90, I-94, and I-55
- Avoid sudden braking on wet or low-lying roads
- If heading south of Joliet, plan to leave earlier or wait until after 11 a.m.
The Rest of the Week at a Glance
The unsettled pattern does not end with Sunday. Here is what the five-day stretch looks like:
Friday: Spotty showers mainly south of I-80. Highs in the low to mid-60s.
Saturday: The warmest day of the stretch with breezy conditions and highs near 70 degrees. A brief afternoon shower remains possible.
Sunday — Mother’s Day: Cooler with scattered morning showers and cloudy skies lingering into the afternoon.
Monday: Drier and calmer with partial sunshine, though temperatures stay cool.
Tuesday: Another round of showers could return with breezy conditions and a slick evening commute possible.
Plan Ahead, Not Around
The good news is that showers are expected to be short-lived and light — not the kind that cancel plans, but the kind that catch you off guard if you are not ready.
Check conditions before you leave Sunday morning. If showers are still showing up in your area after 11 a.m., give it another 30 minutes before heading out.
Mom will understand a slightly later arrival. A fender bender on a wet expressway is a much harder thing to explain.
Are you planning a Mother’s Day outing in the Chicago area? Share your plans in the comments — and let others know if you spot any road issues out there Sunday morning.
