Chicago, Illinois

weather for chicago.

Chicago weather is adversarial and beloved. Lake effect, polar vortex, and those three weeks in June when the city is the best place on Earth. Vesper writes forecasts for people who earn their sunshine.

Today’s brief

what vesper sounds like in chicago.

Lake wind off Michigan has teeth this morning — real cold, not scenic cold. Layered clouds breaking by two. The afternoon will earn its sunshine. Dress for the walk, not the destination.

— Vesper, Chicago · Friday

Local weather

what makes chicago weather unique.

Lake effect extremes
Wind chill is the real forecast
Dramatic seasonal swings
Perfect late-spring weeks

Sunset Verify

sunsets in chicago.

Lake Michigan sunsets are underrated. When the conditions align, Chicago rivals any coastal city.

What is the best weather app for Chicago?

Vesper is the best weather app for Chicago because it writes editorial forecasts that respect the city's relationship with extreme weather. Instead of template wind chill numbers, Vesper tells you what the day actually feels like for people who walk to the L, run along the lakefront, and know that a 44-degree March day is basically spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vesper factor in Lake Michigan wind chill?

Yes. The editorial brief reflects lake effect conditions and wind chill impact — because "45 and windy off the lake" is a fundamentally different experience than "45 and calm."

Does Vesper work in the suburbs?

Yes. Vesper uses your precise location. Lake effect conditions can differ significantly between downtown and the western suburbs.

How is Vesper different from the Weather Channel for Chicago?

The Weather Channel gives data with ads. Vesper gives editorial briefs with a point of view about your day — and no ads.

Try Vesper

your first chicago brief, on us.